Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta has explained the Islamic ruling on backbiting, clarifying its meaning, its difference from slander, and the religious evidence warning Muslims against it.
Backbiting is considered one of the most serious dangers of the tongue because it can harm people, damage relationships, and create hostility within society.
What Is Prohibited Backbiting in Islam?
Dar al-Ifta explains that backbiting means mentioning another person in a way that they dislike, whether the matter concerns their religion, worldly affairs, family, or anything else related to them.
It can occur through spoken words, gestures, or indirect signs.
If a person attributes something to another individual that is not actually true, this is considered slander or false accusation, which differs from backbiting.
Therefore, even mentioning something true about another person can constitute backbiting if that person would dislike having it mentioned without a valid reason recognized by Islamic law.
What Is the Ruling on Backbiting?
The basic ruling is that backbiting is prohibited in Islam, based on the Quran, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus.
Allah says:
“And do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it.” [Quran 49:12]
The verse presents a powerful warning by comparing backbiting to eating the flesh of a dead brother, highlighting the seriousness of the act.
Evidence Against Backbiting in the Sunnah
Prophetic narrations also contain strong warnings against harming people through speech and attacking their honor.
A narration attributed to Anas ibn Malik reports that the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, described seeing people with copper nails scratching their faces and chests because of what they had done to people's honor.
Another narration attributed to Abu Hurairah describes the severe consequences of consuming a person's honor in this world, emphasizing the seriousness of speaking about others in harmful ways.
Is There Scholarly Consensus on the Prohibition of Backbiting?
Imam al-Nawawi transmitted scholarly consensus regarding the prohibition of both backbiting and tale-bearing, confirming that these acts are prohibited according to the consensus of Muslims.
This demonstrates that the prohibition is not merely an ethical recommendation but a firmly established religious ruling.
Backbiting and Tale-Bearing Are Serious Sins of the Tongue
Dr. Ali Gomaa, a member of Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars, emphasized the importance of protecting the tongue.
The tongue is among God's great blessings because through it a person can remember God, recite the Quran, encourage good deeds, advise others, and reconcile people.
However, the tongue can also become a source of harm when it is used in ways that displease God or hurt other people.
Why Are Backbiting and Tale-Bearing Dangerous?
Ali Gomaa emphasized that guarding the tongue is among the greatest acts of worship and that controlling one's speech is an important sign of sound faith and good conduct.
Backbiting and tale-bearing can have serious consequences, including:
- Damaging relationships.
- Spreading hostility and resentment.
- Creating divisions among friends and relatives.
- Harming people's reputations.
- Undermining trust within society.
- Making harmful speech about others a habitual behavior.
For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to speak good words and avoid conversations that unnecessarily discuss or demean others.
Difference Between Backbiting, Slander, and Tale-Bearing
These terms refer to different forms of harmful speech.
Backbiting: Mentioning a person with something they dislike when that thing is actually true about them.
Slander: Attributing something false to a person or mentioning something about them that is not true.
Tale-bearing: Passing statements between people in a way intended to cause conflict, division, or hostility.
All three can seriously damage individuals and communities, which is why Muslims are encouraged to guard their speech and protect the honor of others.
How Can Muslims Guard Their Tongues?
A Muslim can guard their tongue by avoiding speech that harms others and by thinking carefully before repeating information that could cause injustice, defamation, or conflict.
It is also recommended to use the tongue for remembrance of God, beneficial speech, sincere advice, and reconciliation, while avoiding gatherings where people are regularly criticized or discussed negatively.
Conclusion
Backbiting is prohibited in Islam. It means mentioning another person with something they dislike, even when the statement is true, while attributing something false to them constitutes slander.
The Quran and Sunnah strongly warn against backbiting, and Imam al-Nawawi transmitted scholarly consensus regarding its prohibition because of the harm it causes to individuals and relationships.
Guarding the tongue is therefore an important responsibility for every Muslim. Speech can be a means of goodness and reconciliation, but it can also become a source of sin when it is used in ways that displease God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prohibited backbiting?
Backbiting is mentioning another person in a way they dislike, whether the matter concerns their religion, worldly affairs, family, or anything else related to them.
What is the difference between backbiting and slander?
Backbiting involves mentioning something true about a person that they dislike, while slander involves attributing something false to them.
Is backbiting prohibited in Islam?
Yes. Backbiting is prohibited according to the Quran, Sunnah, and scholarly consensus.
Why are backbiting and tale-bearing dangerous?
They can damage relationships, spread hostility, create divisions, and harm people's reputations.
How can a Muslim avoid backbiting?
By guarding their speech, avoiding harmful discussions about others, and focusing on remembrance of God, beneficial speech, and reconciliation.
