Backbiting is worse than adultery!

Allah says: "Backbite not one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.''

(Qur'an 49:12)

• What if it is true?

The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, "Do you know what is backbiting?'' The Companions said: "Allah and His Messenger know better.'' Thereupon he said, "Backbiting is talking about your brother (i.e. fellow muslim) in a manner which he dislikes.'' It was said to him: "What if my brother is as I say.'' He said, "If he is actually as you say, then that is backbiting; but if that is not in him, that is slandering.''

[Muslim]

• Backbiting is greater than adultery!

Prophet (S) said "Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is more serious than adultery. A man may commit adultery, and drink [wine], and then repent, and Allah will forgive him. But, the backbiter will not be forgiven by Allah until his [backbited] companion forgives him."

[Suyuti, Al-Jami` as-Saghir, 1/174, #2919, from Ibn Abid-Dunya]

• Do not look for others' faults

Prophet (S) said "O assembly of those who have believed with their tongues, but into whose hearts faith has not yet reached! Do not backbite the Muslims, nor seek out their secrets! For, whoever seeks out the faults of his brother, Allah will seek out his secrets. And, whoever has his secrets sought out by Allah, Allah will disgrace him, even [if he hides] in the depths of his house.

[Abu Dawud]

• The severe punishment for backbiting

The Messenger of Allah (S) said, "During the Mi`raj (the Night of Ascension), I saw a group of people who were scratching their chests and faces with their copper nails. I asked, "Who are these people, O Jibril?" Jibril replied: "These are the people who ate flesh of others (by backbiting) and trampled people's honour."

[Abu Dawud]

• The honor of a Muslim is sacred

Prophet (S) said "The blood, honour and property of a Muslim is inviolable for another Muslim."

[Muslim]

• Stop others from backbiting

The Prophet (S) said, "He who defends the honour of his (Muslim) brother, Allah will secure his face against the Fire on the Day of Resurrection."

[At-Tirmidhi]