What is the definition of backbiting (Gheebah) in Islam?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) defined backbiting as 'saying something about your brother that he dislikes.' When asked if it still counted if the statement was true, he replied, 'If what you say is true then you have backbitten about him, and if it is not true, then you have slandered him.' [2, 15]

Is backbiting a major sin in Islam?

Yes, backbiting (Gheebah) is considered a major sin in Islam according to the consensus of scholars, based on the severe warnings in the Quran and Hadith. [7, 25] The Prophet (ﷺ) described seeing people in the Hellfire with copper nails scratching their faces as punishment for 'eating the flesh of people.' [2, 19]

Backbiting (Gheebah) in Islam: Quranic Prohibition & Spiritual Harms

Q: What does the Quran say about backbiting?

The Quran, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), strictly forbids backbiting with a powerful analogy: 'Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it.' This verse illustrates the vile and unnatural nature of speaking ill of another Muslim in their absence. [8, 17]

backbiting

Explore Verses Related to backbiting

🕌Al-Hujurat49:11

At a Glance

According to search-discovered primary Islamic texts, Gheebah (backbiting) is definitively defined by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as 'mentioning your brother with that which he does not like,' clarifying that its truthfulness is what makes it backbiting, while falsehood constitutes the even greater sin of slander (Buhtan). [2, 7] The Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12) elevates this prohibition to a visceral level, questioning, 'Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it,' thereby cementing its status as a major sin. [8, 17] Classical scholars like Imam al-Ghazali categorize backbiting as one of the most destructive diseases of the tongue, a sin that devours one's good deeds and transfers them to the victim on the Day of Judgment. [26, 29] This synthesis across the Quran, Sunnah, and scholarly tradition establishes Gheebah as a grave violation of a Muslim's honor, which Islam deems sacred.

📖 Quranic Context

Considered a major sin that severs brotherhood, destroys good deeds, and incurs severe divine punishment. [7, 25]

An act of disobedience that shows disregard for Allah's commands and the sanctity of a fellow Muslim's honor.

References: Quran 49:12 is the primary verse explicitly forbidding backbiting. Surah Al-Humazah (104) also condemns slander and mockery, which are related concepts.

💭 Theological Perspective

A disease of the tongue and heart, often stemming from envy, arrogance, or anger.

A destructive habit that corrupts the soul, darkens the heart, and indicates a lack of God-consciousness (Taqwa). [32]

Strictly forbidden as it undermines the foundation of a compassionate and unified Muslim community (Ummah). [7]

Guarding the tongue from backbiting is a critical step in purifying the self (Tazkiyah) and attaining closeness to Allah.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explicitly defined backbiting and warned of its dire consequences in this life and the hereafter. [2, 19]

The definition of Gheebah vs. Slander (Buhtan).
The punishment in the grave for backbiters.
The transfer of good deeds to the victim on the Day of Judgment. [1, 23]

Universal agreement among all Islamic scholars on its prohibition and status as a major sin. [15]

💎 Deeper Insights

The Prophetic definition of backbiting—'mentioning what your brother dislikes'—is a profound lesson in empathy. The criterion for sin is not the speaker's intent or the statement's truth, but the potential pain of the person being spoken about. It fundamentally shifts the focus of communication from self-expression to considering the feelings and honor of the other.

— Imam an-Nawawi

Backbiting is a unique sin because its repentance involves two dimensions: the right of Allah (Haqq Allah) and the right of the individual (Haqq al-'Abd). While seeking Allah's forgiveness is essential, many classical scholars stress that one is not truly absolved until forgiveness is also sought from the wronged individual, making it one of the most difficult sins from which to be purified. [8, 21]

— Al-Qurtubi