What counts as backbiting (gheebah)?

“In principle, backbiting a Muslim is a grave sin. In the Qurʾān Majīd, Allah Taʿālā likens backbiting to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother. Numerous stern warnings regarding this sin are also found in the blessed aḥādīth.”

“If the slanderer/s are unable to produce the required witnesses to prove adultery in terms of Shariah, then the slanderer/s will be held accountable in the court of Allah Ta’ala on the day of Qiyaamah.”

“Gossipping causes one to fall into several evils, amongst which are la-ya`ni (futile and unnecessary talk), gheebat (backbiting), buhtaan (slander), wastage of time and energy, and losing the chance of learning something beneficial in that time. Hence, it does not behove a true Muslim to get involved in gossipping.”

“Backbiting (geebah) is from those sins which pertain to Haqooq-ul-'ibad (rights of people). Since these rights are connected with people, fulfilling them and asking for forgiveness will be associated with people as well.”