Backbiting and Its Adverse Effects By Husayn al Awayishah

” Backbiting ” In Islamic tradition, maintaining a good character. Adhering to ethical behavior in all aspects of life is highly emphasized. Among the many acts that Islam condones, backbiting (ghibah) is one of the most destructive and harmful acts. It not only impacts the person being discussed but also harms. The one who commits it, as well as the social structure of the society. Backbting and Its Harmful Consequences by Husayn al-Awayishah is a great piece of writing that explores deeply the subject matter of backbiting. Clarifying its negative consequences and giving advice on the practical application to stay away from it.

Knowing Backbiting in Islam

Backbiting is explained in the Quran and Hadith as a serious transgression against Islamic values. The word “ghibah” implies talking regarding someone in a way they would not wish. Even though what is being said is actually true. Backbiting is regarded as a grave sin in Islam because it is against the fundamental values of respect, dignity, and sympathy that are expected to be practiced by Muslims.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the gravity of backbiting in a number of Hadiths, cautioning Muslims against its risks. One of the strongest Hadiths on this subject is:

“Backbiting is worse than adultery. When someone commits adultery and turns to Allah in repentance, Allah will forgive him. But backbit is not forgiven until the person on whom the backbiting was done forgives the one who backbited.” (Al-Bukhari)

This Hadith demonstrates the seriousness of backbiting and highlights the fact that backbiting does not only affect the victim but also hurts the bond between the person and Allah. Backbiting causes alienation, suspicion, and enmity within a community and is thus an extreme problem to solve in Islam.

The Detrimental Effects of Backbiting

In Backbiting and Its Harmful Results, Husayn al-Awayishah expounds on the numerous ruinous effects of backbit, both on the person who indulges in it and on society. 

Damage to Personal Integrity

Backbiting takes away a person’s personal integrity. It shows a lack of respect for others and disregard for their honor. Islam instructs that a believer must always try to maintain the dignity of other people, and backbit discards this rule. When someone backbites, it tarnishes his/her own character and reputation too, because it makes him/her look like a person who has no qualms in speaking ill of others behind their backs.

Damage to the Victim

The main victim of backbiting is the person about whom talk is being made. It can cause feelings of shame, embarrassment, and humiliation, especially when spoken words are false or exaggerated. This can severely impact the victim’s emotional well-being and, in extreme instances, can result in rifts within families, friendships, and societies.

Strained Relationships

Backbiting has a snowball effect on relationships. It leads to separation among people, as it builds mistrust and creates hostility. When someone speaks ill of another, it can result in misunderstandings and conflicts, even though the matter at hand is fairly insignificant. Such strained relationships may persist for decades, negatively impacting the overall cohesion within a society.

Spiritual Consequences

From the religious point of view, backbiting is a serious offence that can be punished severely in the Hereafter. The Quran refers to backbting as eating the meat of a dead brother in numerous verses. The strong metaphor brings home the enormity of the act. The individual who partakes in backbit and does not try to make amends may receive punishment in the afterlife if he tries to make amends with the one he has sinned against.

Islamic Guidance on Eschewing Backbiting

Islam instructs that eschewing backbiting is not just a practice of moral character but also of spiritual well-being. In Bakbiting and Its Harmful Effects, al-Awayishah offers tangible advice on eschewing the destructive act and cleansing one’s tongue and words.

Protecting One’s Tongue

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed his followers to be protective of their tongues from poisonous speech. According to him, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This recommendation highlights the need for one to be cautious of what they say. By concentrating on saying good and staying away from evil speech, Muslims can shield themselves against backbit and other such ill behaviors.

Seeking Forgiveness from the Victim

If one does backbite, Islam instructs them to apologize to the individual they have hurt. This involves asking for forgiveness and making restitution for the harm caused. Seeking forgiveness shows humility and restores broken relationships.

Creating a Culture of Positive Speech

Muslims are taught to cultivate a culture of positive speech, emphasizing speaking well of others and refraining from idle chatter or gossip. This involves complimenting other people’s good traits, giving constructive criticism if needed, and not discussing people behind their backs.

Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness from Allah

Like any other sin, backbiting can be forgiven by genuine repentance to Allah. Repentance entails feeling sorry for the wrong done, asking Allah for forgiveness, and making a promise not to commit the sin again in the future. By genuinely repenting, Muslims can cleanse their hearts and ask Allah for mercy and forgiveness.

Conclusion

Backbiting and Its Detrimental Consequences by Husayn al-Awayishah is an excellent read for anyone seeking to learn about the negative impacts of backbit and how to steer clear of it in everyday life. Through its thorough examination of the subject, the book enlightens readers on the significance of protecting one’s words and upholding good character. It serves as a reminder of the teachings of Islam that emphasize the protection of personal dignity, the importance of kindness and respect, and the need to preserve harmony within the community.

By following the guidance set out in the book and consciously refraining from backbitng, Muslims can lead more meaningful, peaceful lives and help build a stronger, more cohesive community. Refraining from backbit is not only an act of personal honor, but also an act of spiritual development and a move closer to Allah.

Read more: Ibn Taymiyyah on The Oneness of God