How to protect my tongue from backbiting and slander?

The tongue, this small yet incredibly powerful organ, is one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon humanity by God. However, this immense blessing can also transform into a tool for committing some of the gravest sins if it is not carefully guarded with divine consciousness and piety. Backbiting (Gheebah) and slander (Buhtan) are two prominent examples of the maladies of the tongue that not only lead to individual and spiritual ruin but also erode the very foundations of trust and social cohesion. The Holy Quran, with its eloquent and forceful discourse, explicitly warns believers against these major sins and provides practical strategies for protecting the tongue. From a Quranic perspective, backbiting refers to mentioning a hidden fault of another person in their absence, in a way they would dislike, even if that fault is true. Allah Almighty, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, strikingly likens backbiting to eating the flesh of one's dead brother: "...and do not backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abhor it..." This intensely repulsive analogy underscores the extreme abhorrence Allah holds for this act. Imagine the disgust associated with consuming the flesh of a deceased human being, let alone your own brother; backbiting is similarly detestable and reprehensible in the sight of God. Slander (Buhtan), however, is an even greater and more heinous sin because, in addition to mentioning a fault, it involves lying and attributing falsehoods to another person. This carries far more severe consequences in both this world and the Hereafter, completely destroying individuals' reputation and honor. The Quran strongly prohibits false accusations and fabrications in various contexts, deeming them as devilish acts. In Surah An-Nur, verse 15, we read: "When you received it with your tongues and spoke with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge and you thought it was insignificant, while with Allah it was great." This verse clearly illustrates that the sin of spreading falsehoods and slander is extremely weighty and grave in the eyes of the Lord. To safeguard the tongue from these destructive afflictions, the first and most crucial step is **Taqwa (God-consciousness and piety)**. When a person deeply believes that Allah is constantly observing their actions and words, and that every single word uttered from their mouth is meticulously recorded by divine angels (Surah Qaf 50:18: "Not a word does he utter but there is a [guardian] observer beside him ready [to note it]"), they naturally become more vigilant in guarding their tongue. This Taqwa serves as a strong barrier against the satanic temptations to backbite and slander. The second fundamental strategy is to **avoid suspicion (Su'u Adh-Dhann)**. In the same verse 12 of Surah Al-Hujurat, the Quran states: "O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin..." Many instances of backbiting and slander originate from baseless suspicions. When we harbor negative assumptions about someone, we unconsciously begin to pry into their affairs, and then, upon finding or even fabricating a flaw, we engage in backbiting or slander. Avoiding spying (Tajassus), which is also mentioned later in the same verse, complements this approach. **Third, focus on your own shortcomings and self-purification.** A wise and believing individual, instead of searching for others' faults, concentrates on rectifying their own soul. This approach not only leads to personal spiritual progress but also deprives one of the opportunity to backbite and slander. When an individual dedicates all their efforts to self-improvement and purifying their own character and ethics, they will have neither the time nor the inclination to discuss others. **Fourth, occupy the tongue with good speech and the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).** One of the best ways to prevent backbiting and slander is to fill your tongue with truth, recitation of the Quran, supplications (Du'a), remembrance (Dhikr), and benevolent advice. Whenever the tongue is engaged in the remembrance of Allah, it is less likely to stray towards falsehood and sin. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say something good or remain silent." This prophetic tradition, rooted in the spirit of Quranic teachings, emphasizes the profound importance of speech and human responsibility for it. Silence, when speaking would only bring sin, is itself a great virtue. **Fifth, avoid gatherings where backbiting and slander are prevalent.** In Surah An-Nisa, verse 140, the Quran states: "And it has already come down to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and ridiculed, then do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them." Although this verse specifically addresses disbelief and ridicule of divine verses, a general principle can be inferred from it: to avoid gatherings where sin is prevalent. Being present in backbiting sessions gradually normalizes this sin and leads to unintentional participation in it. **Sixth, repentance and rectification.** If someone has unintentionally or intentionally engaged in backbiting or slander, they should immediately perform sincere repentance, seek forgiveness from Allah, and if possible and it does not lead to a greater harm, seek forgiveness from the person they backbit about or slandered, and make sincere prayers and supplications for them. Ultimately, protecting the tongue from backbiting and slander requires constant self-awareness and continuous vigilance. This not only contributes to the health and well-being of one's own soul but also fosters a healthier society, built on greater trust and filled with love and affection. The tongue is a tool for conveying the divine message, inviting others to goodness, and establishing constructive relationships; let us utilize this blessing appropriately so that we may achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.