Backbiting Destroys Hearts Silently

 

Surah Al‑Humazah

Translation (Simple English)

Woe to every backbiter and slanderer,

Who collects wealth and keeps counting it.

Thinking that his wealth will make him live forever.

No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher (Hellfire).

And what will make you know what the Crusher is?

It is the Fire of Allah, intensely kindled,

Which rises over the hearts.

Indeed, it will be closed down upon them,

In extended columns.

What is Backbiting According to the Hadiths

In authentic hadiths, backbiting (Gheebah) is when you mention something about your brother or sister behind their back that they would dislike, even if it is true. If the statement is false, then it becomes slander (buhtan) which is even worse.

The Prophet ﷺ warned that:

Speaking about others in a harmful way damages hearts and society.

Spreading people’s faults, mocking, or insulting them falls under serious sins.

A person who spreads gossip and creates conflict between people is strongly condemned.

Backbiting can include:

Mocking someone’s character, appearance, or lifestyle

Talking negatively about someone when they are not present

Sharing secrets or faults to damage their reputation

Spreading rumors or gossip

Description

Surah Al-Humazah is a powerful warning from Allah against arrogance, greed, and harming people through words. The Surah exposes a type of person who humiliates others, mocks them, and becomes obsessed with wealth. Such people think their money or status will protect them forever, but Allah warns that their final destination will be a severe punishment.

The Surah highlights that sins of the tongue—like backbiting and insulting—are extremely dangerous because they destroy hearts, relationships, and communities.

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Summary

Surah Al-Humazah teaches that mocking others, spreading faults, and being obsessed with wealth can destroy a person spiritually. Allah warns that such behavior leads to severe punishment. The Surah reminds believers to purify their speech, respect others, and focus on good deeds rather than arrogance and gossip.

Lesson

Words can destroy people’s dignity and hearts.

Wealth does not guarantee safety or success in the Hereafter.

Backbiting and mocking are serious sins in Islam.

True success is humility, kindness, and good character.

Allah sees what people say and do, even when others do not.