Gheebah

Gheebah means to reveal the shortcoming of a person behind his back. This is a Haraam practice. According to the Qur'aan-e-Karim, it is like consuming the flesh of one's dead brother. And according to the Hadith of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), it is a practice that is more serious than interest and Zina (adultery).

But people do not know its gravity. That is why even good people are also involved in it. It is a trap that Shaitaan uses to rob specifically those who do Ibaadah. As it is we manage to perform a little Ibaadah and this too with much difficulty. It not unwise to lose even this little Ibaadah for nothing i.e. due to the sin of Gheebah. In some cases, one may even owe others in Aakhirah. And one will have to take charge of the sins of others. To avoid Gheebah is like clogging the roots of a big tree that has fruits from getting diseases.

If ever one did Gheebah of someone, then one must make Taubah and ask for forgiveness from Allah Ta'ala. If the person whose Gheebah was made, is aware of this, then one must ask him for forgiveness. If he does not know anything about it, then it is better not to make him aware to avoid upsetting and embarrassing him.

Just as Gheebah can be done verbally, likewise, it can be done by blinking the eyes or winking, making signs with the hands or by imitating. For example, a person imitates another to show the way he speaks, or the way he walks or how his nose or mouth is. Likewise, Gheebah is also done in writing. All the means that discloses the sins or the shortcomings of a person behind his back is forbidden.

There are certain circumstances where it is necessary to divulge the shortcoming of a person. In this case, it is not forbidden. On the contrary, one has to do it. For example, a person wants some details about a person to whom he wants to send a marriage proposal. Thus, one must warn him of any shortcomings or defects that may render marriage life difficult. But this must not be used as an excuse to take the honour of people, because this is sacred. Whoever takes the honour of someone exposes himself to divine wrath.

Forgive us, Oh our Rabb! Protect us!

[English version of "Gheebat" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.1]