Chapter: The Prohibition of Backbiting and the Duty to Guard the Tongue

Know that every legally accountable person should restrain his tongue from all speech except that in which a clear benefit is apparent. When speaking and keeping silent are equal in benefit, the Sunnah is to refrain, for what begins as permissible speech can easily slide into the unlawful or the disliked—something that happens often in practice—and nothing equals the safety of silence.

1511 – Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good, or else remain silent.” Agreed upon.

This ḥadith plainly shows that one ought not speak unless his words are good—that is, their benefit is manifest. If he is unsure whether any benefit will result, he should keep silent.

1512 – Abu Musa reported: I said, “Messenger of Allah, which of the Muslims is best?” He replied, “The one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe.” Agreed upon.

[Commentary]
Imām al-Nawawī—may Allah have mercy on him—states in his book Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn, in the chapter “The Prohibition of Backbiting and the Command to Guard the Tongue”: “Know that every legally accountable person must keep his tongue from all speech except that whose religious or worldly benefit is evident.” This statement is derived from the words