Backbiting and Its Adverse Effects By Husayn al Awayishah

Backbiting is perhaps the most damaging of all bad habits one can acquire without even becoming aware of it. The author, in the book “Backbiting and Its Adverse Effects” by Husayn al-Awayishah, points out how deleterious backbiting is to an individual and to society in general.

This vice is commonly indulged in lightly while talking, but it has far-reaching spiritual ramifications. Islam instructs Muslims to be very cautious with their words since the tongue can take one to Paradise or pull one into the Hellfire.

The book is a stern reminder to all Muslims to cleanse their words and guard the dignity of others. Knowing the truth about backbiting and its repercussions is important for anyone who wants to make Allah happy and improve their relationship with Him.

Table of Contents

The Islamic Definition of Backbiting

Backbiting (Gheebah) in Islamic doctrine is defined as saying something regarding your brother or sister when they are not around that they would not like. This definition is directly from one of the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in which he was explaining how grave this sin was.

One must understand that even if the thing being said is true, it is still backbiting. If the information is untrue, then it becomes slander, which is an even greater offense. In clear examples and citations of Quranic verses and genuine hadiths, Husayn al-Awayishah makes readers realize what backbiting is and how quickly a person can get into it without being aware.

Quranic Warnings Against Backbiting

The Quran condemns backbiting severely, depicting it with very harsh imagery. Allah states in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), “And do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it.” This abominable example proves how repugnant and disgusting backbiting is in the sight of Allah. When one Muslim backbites another, he is devouring the meat of a deceased sibling. Such a vivid illustration is a wake-up call to all believers. It reminds them to be very careful when they talk about others. The author emphasizes how seriously Allah takes the sin of backbiting and warns Muslims to take heed.

The Consequences of Backbiting in the Hereafter

One of the most important things Husayn al-Awayishah emphasizes is the catastrophic effect backbiting can have on an individual’s fate in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cautioned that backbiters will be humiliated and punished on the Day of Judgment. Their good actions might be confiscated and bestowed upon the people they wronged through their tongues. If their acts of good are depleted, the evil deeds of the ones they oppressed will be heaped upon them. This is a haunting prospect. The book reminds us that no amount of worship is sufficient if careless words invalidate it all. Hence, protecting the tongue is as vital as prayer, fasting, and other forms of worship.

How Backbiting Destroys Relationships and Communities

Backbiting not just hurts individuals but destroys families, friendships, and entire communities. It creates mistrust, jealousy, hatred, and discord. When one talks badly about others, it spoils their reputation and sends suspicion in the air. Communities that are supposed to be based on love and brotherhood turn poisonous.

Husayn al-Awayishah clarifies that Islam was sent down to unite Muslims. Backbiting does just the opposite. By refraining from it, Muslims are helping create healthier, more resilient relationships of trust, mercy, and respect. He exhorts readers to consider the long-term harm caused by a careless few words and be forces for unity, not division.

Why People Fall into Backbiting

Knowing why people fall into backbiting is key to getting over it. The author sets out several reasons why individuals engage in this vice. Envy is a prime reason. One can feel threatened by the success of someone else and backbite in order to belittle them in the eyes of others. Anger and hatred also cause speaking badly about people. Backbiting sometimes happens out of a need to belong while gossiping, where talking about people becomes entertainment.

Pride and arrogance come into play when a person considers himself superior to others and speaks ill of them. Identifying these root causes enables a person to work on the actual issues within themselves and stop the backbiting cycle.

Practical Steps to Prevent Backbiting

The book provides pragmatic, actionable guidelines to shield oneself from getting into backbiting. To begin with, one needs to always recall the consequences and keep them top of mind. Daily contemplation of the serious warnings of the Quran and Sunnah will form a powerful inner shield against loose talk. Second, anger and jealousy control is essential. Invocation of Allah from Shaytan’s whispers can aid when negative feelings surface. Third, diverting the subject matter of conversation when others start backbiting is essential.

Gently redirecting the conversation to something positive can rescue yourself as well as others from sin. Fourth, to defend your absent brother or sister when he or she is being backbitten is most rewarded by Allah. Lastly, frequent repentance is needed because humans tend to err. To make genuine dua to Allah to cleanse one’s tongue and heart is an indication of humility and sincerity.

Repentance and Making Amends

If one commits to backbiting, genuine repentance (Tawbah) is the path to salvation. Repentance is being truly sorry, ceasing the sin at once, and vowing never to do it again. But where backbiting is concerned, it is not that simple since it takes into account the rights of another individual. The author says that if at all possible, one should apologize to the person whom they sinned against. If this is not feasible or may do more harm, then duaa should be made for them and they should be praised in their absence as a form of balancing the harm caused. Allah’s mercy is great, and He is willing to pardon the sincere turn back to Him.

The Importance of Good Speech in Islam

Husayn al-Awayishah also points out that Islam is a faith that places great importance on good, useful speech. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” This powerful hadith encapsulates the Islamic principle of speech. Muslims must strive to use their words to uplift, to educate, to encourage, and to inspire. Speech must be a way of disseminating peace and not discord. The writer urges readers to recall that words are a trust. Allah will account for every individual for every word they speak. Thus, taking up the practice of reflective, positive speech is an indication of a believer.

Conclusion

“Husayn al-Awayishah’s ‘Backbiting and Its Adverse Effects'” is a timely reminder in this age where carefree talk can lead to harmful speech. Through reading and reflection on the lessons in this book, Muslims can have a stronger sense of accountability when it comes to their words. Backbiting is not a mere defect; it is a grave sin that harms the soul, destroys relationships, and attracts the wrath of Allah. It is the responsibility of all Muslims to place utmost importance on protecting the tongue. With genuine repentance, self-conscious effort, and dependence on Allah’s assistance, it becomes achievable to end the practice of backbiting and develop a clean, loving, and harmonious Muslim community.