Forgiveness for Backbiting (Gheebah)

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. In order to repent from such sins, it is not only necessary to plead to Allah for forgiveness, but also to ask the person who’s right was violated for pardon and forgiveness. Until this is not done, the repentance (tawbah) will not be complete.

However, if someone has backbitten about another and that person has no knowledge of the same, it will not be necessary to ask him/her for forgiveness. It will be sufficient for one to repent sincerely to Allah, make a firm intention to abstain from such sins and additionally to make dua for the person who was backbitten.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best