Equal in Sin

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The back-biter and the hearer of back-biting are equal co-sharers in sin.” [Ihya Ulum Id-Deen]

To restrain the ear from hearing evil talk is necessary because what is unlawful to utter is also unlawful to hear.

For this reason Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has placed the eater of unlawful food and the hearer of unlawful words on the same level.

“Why do the Men of Allah and the Men of Knowledge not forbid them from saying what is sinful and devouring what is unlawful?” [Quran: Surah Al-Maida, Ayat 63]

If one has unintentionally heard words disparaging the honour of another Muslim it is unlawful for him to remain silent. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: “You, in that case, would be like them.” [Quran: Surah An-Nisa, Ayat 140]

He must defend the honour of the person back-bitten, advice people to save themselves from the heinous sin of back-biting, and remove himself immediately from the vicinity of this sin.