Chosen Islamic Manners

- Things which one should be aware of when ‘legally’ backbiting someone:

1. One should be sincere.

2. One should not name a person when doing this; in other words, one should talk in general terms.

3. One should be sure that no greater evil will result on account of legal backbiting.
- Reasons that lead people to backbiting:

1. Anger. One should recall the words of the Prophet ():

'Whoever suppresses his anger while he is able to harm the other, Allah will call him in front of all creation on the Day of Resurrection, so that he can choose of the Hoor al-Een whomever he wishes.' (Abu Dawood)

2. One may indulge in this bad habit when accompanying his friends. One should remember the Hadeeth of the Messenger of Allah ():

‘Whoever seeks to appease people by angering Allah, Allah will make him dependant upon the people.’ (At-Tirmidthi)

3. Wanting to be respected. The cure for this is that one must know that the ultimate prize is with Allah.

4. Jesting and playing. The Messenger of Allah () said: