Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:* “Do you know what is meant by Gheebat (Backbiting)?” *
Companions said, “Allah (SWT) and His Messenger know best.”
Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, *“To say something about your brother which he dislikes.” *
One asked, *“Even if what I say is true about my brother?” *
Prophet Muhammad (saw) replied, *“If such defects you say are true about him, then you have backbitten him, and if he doesn’t have what you say, then you have committed Tohmat, Buhtan (slander) against him.”
*
Hence, it is not allowed to talk about somebody in his/her absence, even if what was narrated was true. If it was not true, then it would be a bigger sin and it is called Buhtan (false accusation).
Allah (SWT) the Exalted made it clear in Noble Qur’an that defaming another Muslim in his/her absence is like eating the flesh of one’s dead brother (49:12), which obviously, everybody hates. Hence, it is the most dreadful sin.
Note that if the person is present, he/she may have a chance to defend himself/herself, although everybody does not have the courage to defend themselves in these circumstances. If, however, he/she is defamed in his/her absence, the damage is deep and somewhat permanent.
Not just only can the tongue be used to backbite. The same effects and results can also be done with the eyes, hands and other physical movements. An example would be to imitate someone who is limping in order to insult him/her.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Backbiting is a worse sin than adultery.” It is further explained in a saying of Prophet Muhammad (saw): *“Allah (SWT) the Exalted may forgive a person if he/she repents after committing adultery. However, Allah (SWT) the Exalted will not forgive the one who backbites, till his/her victim forgives him/her.”
*
“If people talk behind your back - what does that mean? It simply means that you are two steps ahead of them.”
