Have You Ever Backbitten? Repent Immediately with These Ways

Dream - Backbiting is one of the forbidden acts in Islam. Backbiting is also called gossiping, which means mentioning something about someone that they do not like to be told to others.

Aside from being forbidden in religion, backbiting or gossiping also brings negative impacts, especially in terms of social life. For example, a person who backbites can be hated by others because they often talk about other people, especially if it is uncertain whether it is true or not. Furthermore, the person who is backbitten may be viewed negatively by others.

For someone who has already engaged in backbiting, they must realize their actions and seek forgiveness from Allah SWT through repentance. So, how can one repent from the act of backbiting?

Here is an explanation of how to repent from the sin of backbiting as summarized by Dream from various sources.

Evidence about Backbiting in the Quran

Surah Qaf Verse 18

مَا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ

Meaning: "There is no utterance he makes except that there is a watcher by him ready (to record)." (QS.Qaf: 18)

Surah An-Nur: 19

الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Meaning: "Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know." (QS.An-Nur: 19)

Surah Al-Ahzab Verse 58

وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ بِغَيْرِ مَا اكْتَسَبُوا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلُوا بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا

Meaning: "And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly born upon themselves a slander and manifest sin." (QS.Al-Ahzab: 58)

How to Repent from Backbiting Sins

For someone who has engaged in backbiting against others, they must immediately repent. Here are the ways to repent from the sin of backbiting as explained by Imam An-Nawawi in Riyadhus Shalihin:

Abandoning the Act of Backbiting

When repenting, the first step to take is to fully resolve to abandon the act of backbiting. Avoiding such actions because one realizes that backbiting is an act forbidden by Allah SWT and brings great sin and negative consequences.

Regretting One's Actions

The next way to repent from the sin of backbiting is to regret one's actions. In repentance, regret is very important to show that one truly repents.

Imam Ghazali even explains that a person who regrets is characterized by three things: a soft and sensitive heart, tears that easily flow unconsciously, and a hatred for the sins they used to enjoy. A repentant person is like that and deserves forgiveness from Allah SWT.

Determined Not to Repeat

When intending to repent to Allah SWT for the backbiting sins committed, the person must also be determined not to repeat their actions. They are fully aware of their mistakes and the consequences, so they do not want to do it again.

Apologizing

When repenting from backbiting sins, do not forget to apologize to the person who was backbitten. This is in accordance with what Imam An-Nawawi said:

"If it involves property or something similar, then it should be returned to the person (whose property we took). If it involves false accusations, then their name should be rehabilitated or apologize to them. And if it involves backbiting, ask for it to be forgiven."

Nevertheless, Imam Ibn Taymiyyah has a different opinion regarding apologizing. That it is not necessary to do so if it will only cause more harm and open up new dangers. It would be better to seek forgiveness from Allah SWT, remain silent, and do many good deeds for the person they backbit. Then mention the person's good qualities to restore their good name that has been tarnished in the past.