I have a bad habit of backbiting

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Allah subhânahu wa ta'âla says, “O you who believe, Fear Allah and say that which is straight.”

Taqwa and fear for Allah is a force to control ones tongue. A person who does not has fear for Allah subhânahu wa ta'âla is lose with his tongue.

Rasulullah sallallahu `alayhi wassalam said that many inmates of Jahannam (fire of hell) will be due to abusing their tongues.

Gheebat (backbiting), lies etc are sins of the tongue and expressly prohibited in the Quran.They are sins that incur the anger and wrath of Allah subhânahu wa ta'âla. How can an honest and dedicated believer indulge in such sins knowing that he is engaged in the anger of Allah subhânahu wa ta'âla.

An intelligent person’s mind is before his tongue. He thinks and ponders before he speaks. It is a sign of stupidity to talk before thinking and pondering. The harms of the tongue are so many to mention.

It is upon you to control your tongue. You should exercise restraint. Talk when there is need. If you have to talk, don’t engage in any sinful talk. Apart from making an effort to control your tongue, make this dua’.

Allahumma Saddid Qalbiee Wa Saddid Lisaani

Oh Allah (subhânahu wa ta'âla) straighten my heart and straighten my tongue.

Bear in mind that only dua’ is not sufficient. An effort with the dua’ will show the efforts of the dua’

And Allah knows best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa