Backbiting
-
So what is the clear definition of backbiting?
Is it talking about someone behind their backs to the extent that it completely damages their reputation? And what about politicians who we dislike? or people who one has to warn others of? and does this only include Muslims or anyone?
-
Speaking the truth is not backbiting. But we should hide each other's faults because exposing them causes more turmoil. However we should not hide injustices under any circumstances because that would make us too unjust.
-
So then with backbiting, it is spreading lies about a person.
-
Backbiting is a cowardly act of talking behind person back, instead of confronting the truth or giving the accused chance to defend themselves.
So spreading false or overly exaggerated things about the person behind their back.
-
Backbiting is a cowardly act of talking behind person back, instead of confronting the truth or giving the accused chance to defend themselves.
This is a great definition.
The truth of a situation is 100% of the information.
When someone presents 50% of the information and does not allow the other to present the other 50% that explains the entire puzzle, that is backbiting/slander.
We should look at justice vs injustice. When is it just to spread information behind a person's back, when is it unjust? Because God only prohibits injustice.
-
This is a great definition.
The truth of a situation is 100% of the information.
When someone presents 50% of the information and does not allow the other to present the other 50% that explains the entire puzzle, that is backbiting/slander.
We should look at justice vs injustice. When is it just to spread information behind a person's back, when is it unjust? Because God only prohibits injustice.
So then twisting the truth to bring about serious injustice about someone and thus becoming false. As well does one have to have the intention of hurting the persons reputation?
So then tell me if these examples of backbiting or not as I wanna be 100% sure
-I see a politician on TV and I tell everyone about how much of a horrible man he is in my opinion. May even lead to people further disliking them even.
-I am sitting with a friend and I see a fat person pass by and I make fun of their weight behind their back.
-I discuss with a friend about how unjust this person was with me to the point where the person is demonized. The person I feel was very unjust and I didn't lie or exaggerate any of the details.
-I am at work and I tell my co-worker about this person who works there about how he is a slow worker which is actually true.
-A friend and I joke about what some of our friends did in the past or are currently doing with both sides being aware that it is a joke of course.
-I see a film made by someone and tell everyone that the movie really sucked as I personally believe the film was actually bad and as a result it starts to hurt their reputation.Thanks
-
Backbiting is essentially talking about someone in a negative manner - hence the biting. The back suggests that you are not doing it to their faces, which means you are doing it in secret, behind their back. We only need to use our intelligence to know if it is evil or not. If you are saying something kind behind someone's back, then you are not biting them. A politician is different, because his job is to win or lose your approval - hence he/ we expect his performances to be judged. In many cases, this will have to be behind his back as we may never get the chance to meet him/her.
Talking and laughing about someone who is fat may not be backbiting but the Koran tells us not to talk about others in case they are better than us. He/she may be fat, but they may not laugh about other people because of their appearance and hence more righteous in the eyes of God, although, to stretch a point, God also says he doesn't like the gluttons - but that is up to God to judge, not us.
If you tell another colleague that someone is slow at their job that is backbiting. it is not for you to discuss with others. You may notice it, but talking about it may well bring negative reactions to your 'slow' colleague. Basically, I think one just has to use intelligence.
Peace,
Dawn.