Warning Against Backbiting And Tale-Carrying: A Muslim’s Guide to Guarding Integrity
Today, within Muslim communities, two destructive ailments persist, yet immunity against them is readily attainable for those under Allah’s protection. These afflictions are backbiting and tale-bearing. Backbiting, or Gheebah, involves maligning individuals by speaking ill of their traits or actions. Regrettably, many Muslims engage in this harmful practice, despite harboring faults themselves. In doing so, they not only harm themselves but also those who lend ear to their slander.
The Sin of Backbiting
O Muslims! Allah portrays those who backbite fellow Muslims in the most repugnant light, likening them to individuals consuming the flesh of the deceased. It is incumbent upon believers to vehemently oppose and halt backbiting, defending the honor of their brethren as they would shield someone from consuming the flesh of a corpse before them.
The Qur’an warns, {O you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it. But fear Allah, for Allah is Oft Returning, Most Merciful.} (Al-Hujuraat: 12).
Divine Condemnation
On the Day of Resurrection, backbiters will face retribution, being compelled to consume the flesh of those they maligned in life. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) cautioned against this sin, warning of its consequences. He stated, “O you who have declared faith with your tongues, but your hearts are not imbued with faith! Do not backbite Muslims, and do not search for their faults, for if anyone searches for their faults, Allah will search for his fault, and if Allah searches for the fault of anyone, He disgraces and exposes him in his house”.
The Fallacy of Truth as Justification
Some may attempt to justify backbiting by claiming they speak the truth. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) clarified that even if the spoken words are true, backbiting remains sinful. He warned, “If what you say regarding your brother (in faith) is truth, then you will still be guilty of backbiting, but if what you say concerning him is untrue, you will be guilty of committing falsehood against him”.
Guarding Against Tale-Bearing
Equally detrimental is tale-bearing, which involves spreading gossip and discord among people. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) unequivocally stated, “No talebearer shall ever enter Paradise.” He emphasized the severity of tale-bearing by citing instances of torment in the grave due to such actions.
Conclusion
Muslims must actively combat the scourge of backbiting and tale-bearing within their communities. Upholding integrity and fostering unity necessitates rejecting these sinful behaviors. Let us heed Allah’s admonition and strive to cultivate an environment of mutual respect and support, rooted in the teachings of Islam.
