Mokhtar Stork
[Based on a discussion by Hadrat Shahidullah Faridi (Rahimullah)]
Hadrat Shahidullah Faridi (Rahimullah), pointed out that man must always be aware of his own faults and shortcomings. Relating or discussing other people’s faults amounts to praising one’s self. Looking for faults in others, results in the person thinking of himself highly, and he falls prey to vanity and self-conceit.
Today, talking about other people’s faults has become a fashion. As soon as a couple of people get together, they start picking faults of others. They may say a little praise too but cannot abstain from back-biting, because back-biting is a cardinal sin (Gheebah or Ghibah in Arabic).
Some people are in the habit of always searching for the faults of others. Indulging in harbouring bad thoughts produces darkness in their hearts, even if the person does not have that fault.
Just as a person who is eating his food would be offended by talk of dirty things such as urine and stool, so also pointedly to look for the faults in others, relate them or give ear to it causes the qalb (spiritual heart) to be affected by its offensive odour, and that is why it is important not to relate others faults or listen to them.
Once someone, pointing to a person departing from the company, said an uncomplimentary thing about him, the Prophet (s.a.w) said, “This is Gheebah.” The Companions on asking why were told, the Prophet (s.a.w.) replied, “If a thing which is said behind a person’s back would cause anger in him if he said it in front of him, such a thing must be qualified under Gheebah.
A Companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.) asked, “Ya Rasulullah, even if that is a true thing about the person?” The Prophet (s.a.w.) replied, “Even if it be true, that is Gheebah (Back-biting). If it is untrue, it is ‘Buhtan’ - slander and a false accusation.”
Hadrat Shah (Hadrat Shahidullah’s Shaykh) said, that a true statement said behind that person’s back is Gheebah (back-biting or gossiping), and a false statement or report is slander and calumny (defamatory), which carries a greater sin.
Some people are in the habit of saying things disliked by the person before them. This amounts to fault-finding and criticism, except when a person wishes to have a business dealing with another and inquires from you about him, then it is obligatory upon you to tell the truth, concealing no fault, which you are aware off. This is not Gheebah. In fact, not disclosing any of his faults which you are aware of would make you a sinner.
Taking In The Wider Picture
To many, this may sound odd or unjust, however, when you view the fact that we all are come into existence through different moulds, colours and shapes, possessing a range of differing characteristics, we are all bout to act and behave differently. It is thus a natural outcome that we differ to agree and disagree over many issues and things, which to many are unbelievable, when you view what is going on in Gaza and over Climatic Change.
Everyone and everything acts in accordance with its nature, thus making it pointless pointing them out over and over again, as we do about others. From an Islamic perspective, it amounts to backbiting and slander.
However, at the same time, we are prone to speaking bad about others, and though it is wrong, it is unavoidable. Every husband and wife do this, and this is understandable, however, if you do so, be mindful, and do not keep repeating them over and over again. Consider it an exchange of knowledge. However, when it involves others, especially in public, generalise things in a moral righteous context.
However, as pointed out by Hadrat Syed Zauqi Shah (Rahimullah), “it is obligatory upon you to tell the truth, concealing no fault, which you are aware off, when another person wishes to have a business dealing with another and inquiries from you about him”. I assume that by not disclosing the truth about a person’s reliability or trustworthiness over a business dealing, would lead to an innocent person being cheated.
Most have difficulty restraining themselves from doing so. Some may even forget. I do admit falling victim to this sometimes and seek forgiveness from Allah and try my very best not to do so. One on becoming aware of this during a conversation should change the direction of a discussion. There is a Hadith to this effect, which makes mention that everyday our organs cry out to us, calling upon us not to abuse them, because on the Day of Judgement, they will speak out again you. By reminding ourselves, we are saving ourselves from Hell-fire. [Mokhtar Stork, 21 Nov 2025]
NOTES
The word Gheebet (often spelled Gheebah or Ghibah) is an Arabic term, predominantly used in an Islamic context, which means backbiting or gossiping: Definition: Gheebah is defined as saying something about a person in their absence that they would dislike to hear, even if the statement is true.
Major Sin: It is considered a major sin (a grave offense) in Islam.
The Qur'anic Comparison: The Qur'an strongly condemns backbiting, comparing it to the abhorrent act of "eating the flesh of your dead brother" (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:12). This vivid comparison highlights the severity and loathsomeness of the act.
Distinction from Slander (Buhtan):
Gheebah is speaking the truth about a person in their absence, but in a way that is disparaging or hurtful to them.
Buhtan is slander, which is saying something untrue about a person in their absence. Buhtan is considered an even greater sin than Gheebah.
Scope: Gheebah includes mentioning any defect or shortcoming related to a person's body, character, actions, family, or possessions, whether it is done through speech, writing, signs, or gestures. In short, Gheebah is a sternly prohibited form of negative speech directed at an absent person.
