A`udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ar-rajim. Bismillah, ar-Rahman, ar-Rahim.
Not something we would normally think about when we think of major sins. Killing, Shirk and Adultery are probably among the main ones that come into your mind. Same for me too. I didn’t realise how major this sin is until I started to look into it. To be honest it shocked me a lot. It sent chills down my spine as I realised how many times I’ve fallen into this sin in my lifetime and witnessed other Muslim Brothers and Sisters falling into this sin. I’m actually tearing up right now thinking about it.
“The backbiter shall not enter into paradise” – Sahih Muslim
Imagine being such a good Muslim who really dedicates their life to prayer, fasting and good deeds and it all goes to waste because you can’t keep your mouth shut about others. It’s something we fall in to so often and it really scares me. That is why I wanted to share with you what I’ve learnt about this sin.
The Prophet PBUH defined backbiting as “It is saying something about your brother which he would dislike” He was then asked “what if what was said was true?” The Prophet PBUH responded with “If you say of him is true then you have slandered him, If it false you have reviled him”.
Allah understands how reputation and image are important to us, that’s why he has forbidden backbiting. Backbiting someone may seem easy and necessary in the moment but it can lead to ruining someones life and even them committing suicide. It’s such a dangerous sin because it is so easy to fall into. Trust me I’ve seen pious people falling into it. We are forbidden to damage other peoples reputations for this very reason. It’s so condemned that it’s actually likened to killing someone.
“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one 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” (Quran 49: 12)
Backbiting can also lead you to becoming ‘two faced’ eg: being nice to someones face but saying mean words behind their backs. This is an awful quality to have as it shows disrespect towards Allah SWT. As this kind of behaviour means you feel a certain sense of security when you’re away from people that you can say whatever you want and not face the consequences. No you will face the consequences because Allah is always watching. Don’t think you will get away with it just because the creation are not watching. The creator see’s all and don’t underestimate his powers.
“He who is two faced in this world will have two tounges of fire on the day of Resurrection” – (Sunan Abi Dawud, Book 43, Hadith 101)
But we don’t have to fall into this sin. There are ways to beat it and shut out Shaytan’s whispers. The first is to make tobah for the times you have fallen into the sin and make intention to not fall into this sin again. Second is to start spreading words of good about people, especially the ones you have slandered to try and reverse the damage. Third is to always keep remembrance of Allah. Remind yourself that he’s watching and treat others how you want Allah to treat you on the day of judgement. Fourth is if you hear other backbiting, don’t join in. Don’t agree. If someone asks for your opinion try and answer like a politician and change the subject 😉
But seriously, imagine how much better the world would be if we refrain from falling into this sin ever again. I ask Allah that none of you fall into this sin. That Allah makes you content with the halal so you don’t fall into haram. Ameen.