Question

What is the definition of ghibah (backbiting) in Hadith?

 

Answer

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do you know what is ghibah?” They [The Sahabah] said, ‘Allah and his Messenger Know best.’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘You talking about your brother something he would dislike.’ It was asked, ‘What if what I am saying is true?’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘If it is true, then you have backbit him and if it is untrue then you have slandered him.'”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2589)

 

This Hadith clearly explains that backbiting means: to discuss the evil/ill qualities of a person in his absence, even though it may be true.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar