Condemnation of Tale-Bearing (Chughal Khori) in the Light of Qur’an and HadithWritten by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Islamic Teachings on the Harm of Tale-Bearing
Islam strictly prohibits tale-bearing (namīmah), backbiting (ghībah), slander, and spreading negative information about others. Both the Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah condemn these acts in the strongest of terms. These behaviors are not only major sins, but they also rupture trust and destroy social harmony.
➊ Condemnation of Tale-Bearing in the Qur’an
Surah al-Ḥujurāt (49:12):
"O you who have believed! Avoid much suspicion. Indeed, some suspicion is sin. And do not spy, nor backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful."
In this verse, backbiting and tale-bearing are described as disgusting and detestable, likened to eating the flesh of one's dead brother — a vivid and horrifying analogy meant to shock the conscience and deter this evil.➋ Condemnation in the Hadith
Hadith 1 – Definition of Backbiting
Narrated by ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (رضي الله عنه), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Do you know what backbiting is?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He said, "It is to mention about your brother something he dislikes."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
This ḥadīth explains that speaking ill of someone behind their back — even if true — is considered backbiting and sinful.Hadith 2 – Tale-Bearer Deprived of Paradise
Narrated by Ḥudhayfah ibn al-Yamān (رضي الله عنه), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"The tale-bearer (nammām) will not enter Paradise."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
⚠ This stern warning shows the severity of tale-bearing — such a person is barred from the blessings of Paradise.
Hadith 3 – The Worst of People
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"The worst of Allah’s servants are those who walk about with gossip, who cause separation between loved ones, and who seek faults in the innocent."
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī)
This hadith clearly identifies tale-bearers as among the most detested individuals in the sight of Allah, for they promote enmity and division.✔ Summary
- Tale-bearing, backbiting, and slandering are major sins in Islam.
- These actions pollute one’s moral character and lead to division and hatred in society.
- The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize the importance of guarding one’s tongue, fostering brotherhood, and maintaining unity.
- Muslims are encouraged to speak well of others, promote peace, and adopt a spirit of kindness and goodwill.
Supplication
May Allah protect us from the evil of tale-bearing and grant us the ability to speak good and uphold the honor of others. Āmīn.
