Hadith #8252

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The one who listens to gossip is one of the two backbiters.

This Hadith highlights the grave sin of engaging in backbiting and emphasizes that even those who listen to gossip are equally responsible for the sin. To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (sami'u) "سّامِعُ" refers to the one who listens or hears. It implies actively paying attention to the gossip or backbiting being spoken. The word (lil-ghībah) "لِلْغِيْبَةِ" translates to gossip or backbiting. It refers to the act of speaking ill of someone in their absence, disclosing their faults, or spreading rumors about them.

To understand the gravity of this sin, we 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 avoiding negative assumptions and forbids spying and backbiting. It compares backbiting to consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother, highlighting the repulsiveness and immorality of such an act. Thus, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the severity of engaging in or even listening to backbiting.

Listening to gossip or backbiting is not a passive act; it actively contributes to the perpetuation of this sinful behavior. By lending an ear to gossip, one becomes complicit in the harm caused to the person being spoken about. This Hadith serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant in guarding our ears and hearts against engaging in or encouraging such harmful speech.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. Through this Hadith, he emphasizes the importance of accountability and reminds us that we are responsible not only for our own actions but also for the company we keep and the conversations we engage in.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it is not enough to merely abstain from backbiting ourselves. We must also actively discourage and distance ourselves from those who engage in such behavior. By doing so, we create an environment of respect, love, and unity within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the gravity of engaging in or even listening to gossip and backbiting. It serves as a powerful reminder that we are accountable for our actions and the company we keep. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to create a society free from harmful speech and foster an atmosphere of love, respect, and unity among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to righteousness and protect us from the sin of backbiting.