Backbiting is introduced as a major sin in the Quran, emphasizing its negative impact on social relationships.
In the Holy Quran, backbiting is highlighted as an undesirable act. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah warns the believers to avoid suspicions and not spy on one another. This verse indicates that backbiting can destroy social relationships and create discord and mistrust among people. Additionally, in verse 11 of the same surah, Allah prohibits the believers from insulting one another and questioning each other's identities. These points emphasize the gravity of the sin of backbiting in Islamic society. Moreover, in various narrations, backbiting is described as an act that undermines the quality of relationships and tarnishes the moral attributes of individuals. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has emphasized in various Hadiths that backbiting against a fellow believer is akin to eating their flesh. Therefore, it can be concluded that backbiting is deemed not only an undesirable act but also one of the major sins in Islam, carrying numerous negative consequences for both individuals and society.
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother while he is dead? And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.
O you who have believed, let not a group ridicule [another] group; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith; and whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.
One day, two friends were chatting when one of them started backbiting about the other. The other friend thoughtfully replied, 'Do you know the consequences of backbiting? We shouldn't allow each other's reputation and dignity to be harmed. This issue is of great importance in Islam.' This conversation encouraged them to strengthen their friendship and avoid harming one another.