Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 9, 2026.
Backbiting is a major sin with narrow exceptions
“You say it for benefit to benefit the other.”
In one sentence
Backbiting is generally a major sin, except when truthfully disclosing wrongdoing to seek justice or protect someone, and those who backbite should repent and make amends.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Explains that backbiting is generally forbidden but permits reporting injustice to authorities.
- Describes permissible warnings about serious defects in marriage or business when intended to protect others.
- Distinguishes identifying someone by a familiar nickname from insulting or disrespecting them.
- Urges listeners to monitor their daily speech and recognize how commonly they backbite.
- Recommends repentance, reconciliation, prayer, positive mention, and charity before closing with supplication.
Try this week
Report genuine injustice to appropriate authorities rather than spreading it casually.
Warn someone about a serious danger only truthfully and to protect them.
Review your speech during the day and notice when you discuss others.
Repent sincerely and resolve not to repeat the behavior.
Seek mutual forgiveness when possible; otherwise pray for the person, mention their good qualities, and consider giving charity on their behalf.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“you say it for benefit to benefit the other from this to protect one brother”
“the backbating is major sin and all of us we said the majority of us will do it day and night”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that backbiting is a serious sin because it harms people and damages trust. Speaking about someone may be allowed when reporting real injustice or protecting another person from serious harm, but the purpose must be truthful benefit rather than humiliation. We should pay attention to what we say throughout the day and repent when we fall into this habit. If possible, we should seek forgiveness; if not, we can pray for the person, speak well of them, and give charity as some scholars recommend.
- When might warning someone about another person be an act of protection rather than backbiting?
- What could you do this week if you realize you spoke unfairly about someone?
- How can we notice and improve the way we talk about people who are not present?
Keep listening
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored