To say something hurtful about someone in their absence – even though it may be a truth – is backbiting. Backbiting is a clear prohibition of the Noble Quran:

“And some of you should not backbite about others. Do any of you wish to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it” (Surah Hujurat)

The Noble Quran has likened backbiting to 'eating the flesh of one's dead brother.' In the Hadith backbiting is considered to be worse than Zina (fornication and adultery). Also the good deeds of a person are transferred to the victim of backbiting.

Hazrat Anas (RA) reports that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

“On the night of Mi'raj I saw a group of people who had fingernails of copper and they were scratching their mouths. I asked Jibraeel u, who are these people? Jibraeel u replied that they are those who eat the flesh of other people”. (i.e. they were involved in backbiting!) (Seeratul Mustapha, Vol.1)

Ways to avoid backbiting:

1. Be cautious about one's speech and ponder before speaking
2. Keep good company and avoid the company of those who gossip
3. Remain silent instead of engaging in vain talk
4.Constantly engage in Zikrullah
5. Make Dua for protection from backbiting and all other vices