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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Ahlul-Bayt; Ethical Role-Models Backbiting Backbiting is to speak ill of a believer behind his back, including matters concerning his moralities, appearance, or personality. Not only is backbiting restricted to words, but also it includes every behavior and deed, whether suggestive or direct The Prophet (S) defined backbiting by saying: “Do you know what is backbiting? It is to mention things that your brother dislikes.

To mention things that are really found in the personality of your brother is backbiting. To mention things that are not found in the personality of your brother is slander.” Backbiting is however one of the meanest manners and most serious crimes and sins. God likens the backbiter to the one who eats the flesh of the dead: “Believers, stay away from conjecture; acting upon some conjecture may lead to sin. Do not spy on one another or backbite.

Would any of you like to eat the disgusting dead flesh of your brother? Have fear of Allah; Allah accepts repentance and is All- merciful (49:12).” “Allah does not love public accusation unless one is truly wronged. Allah is All-hearing and All- knowing.

(4:148)” The Prophet (S) said: “Backbiting destroys the religion in a way that is more destructive than canker[^1].” “He who publicizes an ill matter is regarded as him who originated it, and whoever disregards a faithful believer for a matter will not die before that very matter sticks to him[^2].” Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “For him who publicizes an affair of a believer for disgracing and disrespecting him, Allah will dismiss him from His custody and deliver him to the Shaitan’s[^3].” “Do not backbite (others) so that others will not backbite you.

Do not dig a hole for making your brother fall in it, lest you yourself may fall in it. As you condemn others, others will surely condemn you[^4].” Disregard of Backbiting It is necessary to avoid being in conformity with the backbiters or listening to them, for the listener of backbiting is regarded as partner in the sin.

To do so can be achieved by denying backbiting verbally, changing the subject into another innocent one, leave the session of backbiting, or, in the least, deny backbiting in heart, so as to be saved from the partnership of that sin.