the record of a man’s life while he was still alive, and whenever Muslims recite it they earn ten good deeds for every single letter. Thus Allah, exalted be He, said: “And He also forgave the three who were left behind, until, when the earth, vast as it is, felt narrow to them, and their very souls felt narrow to them, and they realized that there is no refuge from Allah except in Him, He then turned to them so that they might repent. Truly Allah is Ever-Relenting, Most Merciful.” [Q 9:118]

During the expedition of Tabūk the Prophet ﷺ was sitting and asked about Kaʿb. One of the people replied, “Messenger of Allah, he has been taken up with his two cloaks and admiring his shoulders.” These words were undoubtedly backbiting, for he mentioned Kaʿb with something the latter would dislike. Allah, however, inspired another man to defend him, who said, “We know nothing about him except good.” The Prophet ﷺ then remained silent.

The benefit derived from this is that when a person hears someone backbiting another, he is obliged to stop the backbiting and strive to silence the offender—by force if he can, saying, for instance, “Be quiet; fear Allah; be mindful of Him,” or by offering effective advice. If he cannot manage that, he must stand up and leave the gathering. Whoever stays in a company where the righteous and upright are being backbitten must first try to defend them; if he is unable, he must depart, otherwise he shares in their sin.

Allah is the One who grants success.