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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Taqwa (Piety) Advice of Backbiting ============== One of the factors which leads to the dismemberment of a society and causes division and requires Taqwa is backbiting which has been prohibited by religion and disapproved by reason. Backbiting is that two or more persons speak of others (in their absence) in a way that if they hear it, they will be annoyed.

It does not really make a difference whether what they say is related to a physical or a moral defect, or it is related to speech or deeds. The late Naraghi in Jami’ as-Sa’adaat says: “…even if defect might be in his clothes, house, or mount.” Backbiting is an indecent act and it is improbable that a devoted Muslim commits such a blameworthy act. In this connection, God has said: “… nor let some of you backbite others. Does one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?

But you abhor it; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, surely Allah is Oft-returning (to mercy), Merciful.” [^1] The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has been reported by Imam Sadiq (AS) as saying: “Backbiting a Muslim is worse than canker is inside one’s abdomen.

In the same way that leprosy eats away the body members, backbiting too eats away one’s faith.” After defining backbiting and mentioning its kinds, Allamah Majlisi says: “Backbiting is that when people speak ill of a person with reference or sarcastic statements. The prohibition of backbiting has been agreed on by all jurisprudents. It is a major sin and its punishment is the Fire according to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has been reported by Jabir and Abu Sa’eed al-Khidri as saying: “Avoid backbiting, for it is worse than adultery is.