Hadith #9347

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنْ أقْبَحِ اللُّؤْمِ غَيْبَةُ الأخْيارِ۔

This can be translated as

Slandering the righteous is one of the ugliest vile traits.

In order to fully understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (lu'm) "لؤم" refers to slander or backbiting, which involves speaking ill of someone in their absence. It is an act that tarnishes the reputation and honor of an individual, causing harm and discord within the community. Slander is considered a repugnant trait that goes against the principles of Islam, as it violates the rights of others and promotes animosity among Muslims.

The term (ghaybah) "غيبة" specifically refers to backbiting the righteous individuals. The righteous are those who strive to follow the teachings of Islam and lead a life of piety and virtue. They are the ones who dedicate themselves to worshiping Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serving humanity. Backbiting such individuals is particularly abhorrent because it not only harms their reputation but also undermines their efforts in spreading goodness and righteousness.

To understand the gravity of this vile trait, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting, comparing it to the repugnant act of consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother. It highlights the repulsiveness of such behavior and urges Muslims to fear Allah and seek His forgiveness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of backbiting and slandering others, saying,

Indeed, those who came with falsehood are a group among you. Do not think it bad for you; rather it is good for you. For every person among them is what [punishment] he has earned from the sin, and he who took upon himself the greater portion thereof - for him is a great punishment. Why, then, do you not intervene when the soul of the dying person reaches the throat? And you are at that time looking on. And Our angels are nearer to him than you, but you do not see.

These verses remind us that spreading falsehood and engaging in backbiting will have severe consequences. It is a sin that will ultimately be accounted for, and the punishment for those who indulge in it will be great.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind his words. Slandering the righteous not only damages their reputation but also disrupts the unity and harmony within the Muslim community. It creates divisions, fosters ill feelings, and weakens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that Islam seeks to establish. Moreover, it undermines the efforts of those who strive for righteousness and discourages others from following their example.

As Muslims, it is our duty to uphold the teachings of Islam and promote unity, love, and respect among one another. We must refrain from engaging in backbiting and instead focus on building each other up, supporting one another, and striving for the betterment of our community. Let us remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to eradicate this vile trait from our lives, for it is indeed one of the ugliest and most repugnant qualities that we can possess. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the harms of slander and backbiting.