What does Islam say about backbiting (gheebah)?
Answered with evidence from the Quran and authentic Hadith
Quick Answer
Backbiting (gheebah) is a major sin in Islam. The Quran compares it to eating the flesh of your dead brother. It is defined as saying something about a person that they would dislike, even if it is true. If it is false, it is even worse — that is slander (buhtan).
Detailed Answer
Gheebah (backbiting) is when you mention something about a person behind their back that they would dislike — even if what you say is true. The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined it clearly: "Do you know what gheebah is? It is mentioning your brother in a way he would dislike." When asked "What if what I say is true?" he replied "If it is true, you have backbitten him, and if it is false, you have slandered him."
The Quran uses an extremely vivid image to show the severity of backbiting — comparing it to eating the flesh of your dead brother. This powerful metaphor shows that backbiting harms a person who cannot defend themselves, just as a dead person cannot resist.
If you have backbitten someone, you should: (1) repent sincerely to Allah, (2) ask the person for forgiveness if possible and safe to do so, (3) speak well of them in the same circles where you spoke ill of them, and (4) make dua for them.
Evidence from Quran & Hadith
وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ
Wa la yaghtab ba'dukum ba'da. A-yuhibbu ahadukum an ya'kula lahma akheehi maytan fa-karihtumoohu.
“And do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Do you know what backbiting is?" They said: "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said: "It is mentioning your brother in a way he would dislike." He was asked: "What if what I say is true?" He said: "If what you say is true, you have backbitten him, and if it is not true, you have slandered him."
Key Points
- ✦Gheebah (backbiting) is when you mention something about a person behind their back that they would dislike — even if what you say is true.
- ✦The Quran uses an extremely vivid image to show the severity of backbiting — comparing it to eating the flesh of your dead brother.
- ✦If you have backbitten someone, you should: (1) repent sincerely to Allah, (2) ask the person for forgiveness if possible and safe to do so, (3) speak well of them in the same circles where you spoke ill of them, and (4) make dua for them..
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Note: This answer is based on the Quran and authentic Hadith for general guidance. For detailed rulings on your specific situation, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar. May Allah guide us all to the truth.