Backbiting and slandering is indeed a disease prevalent in society. A disease wherein the Quran paints a repulsive picture of which would make people shrink from it in horror. And do not backbite one another, would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor that.” [Al Hujuraat:12] Since one feels sick at the very thought of eating human flesh, how much more revolting is it to think of eating the flesh of one’s dead brother? The Prophet {PBUH} wanted to drive home the meaning of backbiting to his companions through questions and answers.

Abu Hurairah {RA} reported that someone asked the Prophet {PBUH} What is backbiting?” He said: “It is your remembrance of your brother in a way that he does not like.” He asked: “What if that fault I mention is found in him?” He said: If what you say is found in him then that is backbiting. But, if what you say is not found in him then that is slandering him. [Sunan Al Tirmithi]

How many homes, families, marriages, businesses and friendships have been broken due to backbiting and slandering. It is amazing how, when 

we like someone we can turn a blind eye to their faults but when we dislike someone we are likely to find fault in their appearances, behavior, lineage or any minute fault that pertains to that person. Islam safeguards human dignity and honour. Let us safeguard the honour and dignity of every human being. To aid us and rid us of this disease let us dedicate this year 1438 as the year of “No to backbiting and slandering”. Let us make a firm resolution that “I will not backbite or slander anyone neither will I listen to or entertain any form of backbiting or slandering.”   Read more