Little Backbiter

Ouch…It hurts when someone bite up my back and eating my flesh. You know what hurt most? It’s not the bites but the fact that it comes from a friend. Creepy huh…it all happens behind your back. I like to share with you what Islam teaches us about back-biting. Here, take a look at this video first. I’m pretty sure that you don’t want to be one of these people, do you?

Ok...before I start, I would like you guys to have a clear picture about backbiting. Backbiting consists in speaking about an absent person in a way that would annoy him if he were to be present and hear. Well, how about if we were talking about is a true story. Does it still call backbiting? I would go for: YES. If the words uttered are true, that is backbiting; if they are not, this is both backbiting and slander which will be a doubly disgusting sin.

*Slander = Saying of something false and damaging somebody’s reputation.
*Backbite = Making spiteful comments about somebody who is not present.

Let see, why am I so eager to talk about this subject? It’s just simply because this action has become a routine and so widespread that it becomes a hot topic of people’s meetings, to express their feelings and anger. Gossiping as well is a shameful weapon and most commonly used by newspapers to gain popularity. To me backbiting and gossiping is something so poisonous and awful that we shouldn’t commit and accept to our social life especially Muslims.

Islam is a religion of peace, love and compassion. The bond of relationship between Muslims is based on sincerity and honesty. In spite of that, Allah strongly prohibits the action that can cause destruction to the ummah. Have you ever heard a story of the battle of Jamal (Camel) and the battle of Siffin? Both of these battles are due to fitna where Muslims fought each other for the first time. The damage done at the battle was great. Do read about these battles here.

"And spy not, neither backbite against one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful." (49:12)

Is backbiting ever allowed in Islam? There are very few situations where it is permissible to speak about the faults of another person. But just be extra careful not to fall or transgress yourself into sin. For you would regret afterward. There are six all of them which I have shortly listed below:

1. Complaint because of an injustice

2. Seeking help to change a wrong deed and to correct the wrongdoers.

3. Seeking a Fatwa. A person may state to the Imam, Mufti or Shaikh.

4. Warning Muslims against evil and advising them.

5. Mentioning the person who indulges in Haraam or Bid'ah openly.

6. Identifying a person.


Remember, our tongue will witness us in the Day of Judgment. We have to answer to Allah s.w.t for our actions. Let’s ponder beautiful saying of the Prophet s.a.w that will ensure the protection of our tongue. The Messenger of Allah s.a.w said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last day, LET HIM EITHER SPEAK GOOD OR KEEP SILENT"

Again, I’m reminding myself before reminding people who are reading. Forgive me for the wrong doings and harsh words. Correct me if you see my error and slip. Jazakallahu khair for spending your time here. May Allah bless us all.

O Allah! Guard our tongues. O Allah! Guard our actions. O Allah! Forgive us our sins against You and ease the hearts of those we have harmed so that they too will forgive us. Ameen