Hadith #10673

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) warns against the act of spreading slander and engaging in talebearing. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (namimah) "نَمِيمَةِ" in Arabic refers to the act of spreading malicious gossip or slander about others. It involves whispering harmful words behind someone's back with the intention to tarnish their reputation. This act is condemned in Islam as it causes division, animosity, and destroys trust within the community.

To understand the gravity of this prohibition, we can turn to the Quran. 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 refraining from backbiting. It compares the act of backbiting to consuming the flesh of one's own brother, highlighting the repugnance and harm caused by such behavior. Hence, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran by condemning the act of spreading slander and gossip.

The Hadith further states that the one who engages in namimah will be

fought by the near one and hated by the one who is far.

This implies that those who are close to the slanderer, such as family and friends, will stand against them and fight their actions. Moreover, even those who are distant from the slanderer will develop a strong aversion towards them due to their harmful behavior.

This consequence can be understood in light of the Quranic teachings as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting and refraining from ridiculing others. It teaches us not to insult or call each other by offensive names. By engaging in namimah, one is essentially violating these teachings and causing harm to others. Consequently, they will face the consequences of being fought by those close to them and being hated by those who are far.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize the importance of guarding our tongues and refraining from engaging in slanderous behavior. Islam places great emphasis on maintaining unity, trust, and respect within the community. By avoiding namimah, we contribute to a harmonious society based on justice and compassion.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He protect us from the temptation of engaging in slander and gossip, and grant us the strength to promote unity and love among Muslims.