Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today we address a sin that destroys communities: backbiting and gossip. Allah says: "O you who believe, avoid much assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it." (Al-Hujurat, 49:12)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined backbiting: "Do you know what backbiting is? It is mentioning your brother in a way he would dislike." Someone asked, "What if what I say is true?" He replied: "If what you say is true, you have backbitten him. If it is not true, you have slandered him." (Muslim)
Guarding Our Tongues
The tongue is small but its damage is immense. Gossip breaks friendships, divides families, and corrupts societies. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Before we speak about someone, let us ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If we cannot answer yes to all three, it is better to remain silent. May Allah protect our tongues from harmful speech. Amin.