The Prohibition Of Backbiting And Gossiping (2/2)

Abu Hurairah (radyAllahu ‘anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once said (to his Companions):  "Do you know what backbiting is?"  They said: "Allah and His Messenger know best."  He said: "Your mentioning something about your brother (in his absence) that he hates (to have mentioned)."  It was said: "What if there exists in my brother, that which I say (of him)?"  He (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:  "If there is found in him what you say, then you have backbitten him.  And if there is not found in him what you say, then you have slandered him."[1]

Abu Bakrah (radyAllahu ‘anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said in his sermon on the day of Sacrifice, during his farewell pilgrimage: "Verily, your blood, your wealth and your honor are sacred for you, just as this day of yours is sacred, in this land of yours, in this month of yours.  Have I not conveyed?" [2]

'Aa'ishah (radyAllahu ‘anhaa) narrated: "I said to the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): 'You are more than Safiyyah by such and such.' [Some of the narrators said it meant that she was short] So he (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: 'You have stated a word, which if mixed with the water of the sea, it would surely stain it.’" [3]

At-Tirmidhee said this hadeeth was hasan saheeh.  I say that the word for staining (mazaja) means: That it (her statement) would mix with the water with such a mixing that it would change its taste and smell due to the severity of its stench and vileness. 

This hadeeth is one of the greatest proofs in showing the forbiddance of backbiting, if not the greatest.  And I do not know of any other hadeeth that reaches this level with regard to condemning backbiting.

“And he (the Prophet) does not speak from his own desire.  Rather, it is only revelation revealed (to him).” [Surah An-Najm: 3-4] 

We ask Allah, the Most Generous, for His kindness and forgiveness from all detestable acts.

Anas (radyAllahu ‘anhu) reported that Allah’s Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When I was ascended (to the heavens), I came across a people that had nails made of brass, with which they were scratching their faces and their chests.  So I said: 'Who are these people, O Jibreel?'  He said: 'They are the ones who eat the flesh of people[4]  and dishonor them.'”[5]

It is also reported from Sa'eed Ibn Zayd (radyAllahu ’anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily, one of the worst forms of Ribaa (interest) is being condescending with regard to a Muslim's honor, without due right.” [6]

Abu Hurairah (radyAllahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim.  He does not betray him, nor does he lie to him, nor does he forsake him.  All of the Muslim to (another) Muslim is sacred – his honor, his wealth and his blood.  Taqwaa (fear and obedience to Allah) is right here [pointing to his chest].  It is enough evil for a person to look down upon his fellow Muslim.”[7]

At-Tirmidhee said it was a hasan hadeeth.  I say that there is no hadeeth greater in advantage and more numerous in points of benefit than this hadeeth.  And with Allah lies the success.