Backbite and Slander

Question:

Asalamualikum respected mufti,

If you backbite or slander someone, how do you amend the situation. Do you have to ask for the persons forgiveness as well as forgiveness from Allah? I have heard that sometimes you shouldn’t tell the person as it may put a strain on the relationship between the two parties.

Your help is much appreciated, jazakallah

Answer:

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Shari’ah emphasizes the need to protect the dignity and honor of the Human Race. This is fundamental for the normal smooth functioning of society.

One of the root causes for the general moral decay of the society at large is Gheebat (backbiting).Unfortunately; the evil disease of Gheebat has pervaded our homes, work places and assemblies. Gheebat (backbiting) is a very disastrous disease with devastating effects on the moral fiber of society.

As Muslims, the qualities of tolerance, acceptance and compassion should be the hallmark and inherent traits of our general character.

In principle, if the victim of the backbiter is aware of the backbiting, then it is necessary to seek his forgiveness. If he is not aware of the backbiting, then it is not compulsory to seek his forgiveness. However, in view of the magnitude of the sin of backbiting, one should still seek forgiveness from the victim of backbiting even if it is in a general way.[1]

It is advisable to make Du’aa of Khair and Barakah for the victim of backbiting.

Make sincere Tawba to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta‘ala) and make a firm resolution never to repeat the sin of backbiting. Don’t damage your good deeds through this tasteless sin.

And Allah Ta‘ālā Knows Best

Moulana Ismail Desai

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.


1و اذا لم تبلغه يكفيه الندم و الا شرط بيان كل ما اغتابه به (الدر المختار، ج 6، ص 410، ايج ايم سعيد)

فتاوي محموديه، ج 29، ص 397-398)