Gheebah

Speaking badly about someone behind his back is called Gheebah.

Many sins are being committed (on earth) but Gheebah is such a sin that is not only being committed by those who are known to be evil people, rather it is also committed by the Imams, the 'Ulama, the preachers and those who are considered pious. It is not only a minor sin, but it is one of the worst characteristics and gravest sins. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) qualified it more grave than Zina and interest. But in general, young and old, good and bad, all are committing it because they have not grasped its actual gravity.

Once, in the presence of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Hazrat Aa'ishah (Radiyallahu Anha) spoke against Hazrat Safiyyah (Radiyallahu Anha). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) drew the attention of Hazrat Aa'ishah (Radiyallahu Anha) that this action of hers is so grave and foul that it can pollute an entire ocean.

But it is to be noted that at times, parents speak bad of their child behind their back in order to find a solution to their evil doings. This also seems to be included in the category of Gheebah but this way of speaking behind the back, is permissible, because their intention is not to humiliate or denigrate their child. Similarly, at times, words that are said for the well-being of a person by a responsible party, may seem to be Gheebah but it is a Gheebah which is permissible because if the person comes to know that a certain person spoke about him for his own welfare, this will not displease him. And if somehow this person is offended by the person who had his welfare at heart, then he is wrong because an unjustified vexation cannot transform a good thing into a bad thing. The 'Ulama of the past had revealed the shortcomings of some narrators of Hadith just to preserve the Deen. This is also permissible. On the contrary, it is obligatory.

Allah Ta’ala knows all what is in our hearts. This should not be used as an excuse to denigrate and humiliate people by speaking badly behind their back.

[English version of "Gheebat" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.9]