Is It Considered Backbiting to Speak about Someone’s Bad Habit without Malice?
Answered by Ustada Shazia Ahmad
Question
I think someone I love was backbiting. I heard that backbiting is allowed if you mention a person’s bad habit, for example, someone has the habit of taking too long to respond to their parents. Is this true? Bad habits don’t mean they are sins. Someone I love was backbiting saying, “So-and-so is just like such-and-such! One time I was calling them so many times, but they never replied!” The person they were talking about came into the room heard it and replied. I’m unsure if they were backbiting because they were talking about a bad habit of someone but they were saying it in a joking manner and laughing. I do not think they know that they should apologize.
Answer
Backbiting
Speaking about someone’ bad habit is slander and is unlawful, even if joking or laughing, or even without bad intentions. That being said, the person should apologize to the slandered person unless they are sure that telling them will worsen or ruin the relationship. Then one should refrain and tawba to Allah suffices. Please see the details below about what is considered slander and how to repent.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Have taqwa (fear) of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up an evil deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people.“ [Tirmidhi]
[Ustada] Shazia Ahmad
