Is adultery better than backbiting?
The question of whether adultery is better than backbiting can be addressed through Islamic teachings, which highlight the severity of both sins.
The Qur'an explicitly warns against adultery, stating: And come not near unto adultery. Lo! it is an abomination and an evil way.
17:32. This verse emphasizes the moral and spiritual dangers associated with committing adultery, categorizing it as an abhorrent act.
In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned the gravity of adultery, saying: I have never seen anything more resembling blameworthy behavior than what Abu Huraira reported. He said the Prophet said: 'Allah has decreed upon the son of Adam his share of adultery that he will inevitably commit. The adultery of the eyes is to glance. The adultery of the tongue is to talk. The soul longs and desires. The private parts confirm or deny all these.'
Sahih al-Bukhari 79:17. This narration indicates that while there are various forms of adultery, including those of the eyes and tongue, they are all significant sins that can lead to further wrongdoing.
On the other hand, backbiting is also condemned in strong terms. The Prophet ﷺ asserted that backbiting is equated with eating the flesh of one's dead brother, which is a repulsive act. The Qur'an advises: O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that (so abhor the other)!
49:12. This verse illustrates the moral repugnance associated with backbiting.
Additionally, a narration in Al-Kafi describes backbiting as: Backbiting is to say about your brother what God has concealed about him. As for matters that are apparent, like leanness or haste, then it is not backbiting. Slander, however, is to say about him what is not in him.
Al-Kafi 1:1312. This definition underscores the severity of revealing someone's hidden faults without justification.
In conclusion, both adultery and backbiting are serious transgressions in Islam, each with significant moral implications. The teachings emphasize avoiding both sins, as they can lead to spiritual harm and societal discord.
Sources
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17:32 · Al-Israa
17:32 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلزِّنَىٰٓ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَٰحِشَةًۭ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًۭا
And come not near unto adultery. Lo! it is an abomination and an evil way.
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49:12 · Al-Hujuraat
49:12 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ كَثِيرًۭا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثْمٌۭ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا۟ وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًۭا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that (so abhor the other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 79:17
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 79, Hadith 17 · Narrated by Ibn Abbas
I have never seen anything more resembling blameworthy behavior than what Abu Huraira reported. He said the Prophet said: 'Allah has decreed upon the son of Adam his share of adultery that he will inevitably commit. The adultery of the eyes is to glance. The adultery of the tongue is to talk. The soul longs and desires. The private parts confirm or deny all these.'
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Al-Kafi 1:1312
Al-Kafi · Book 1, Hadith 1312 · Narrated by Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him)
Backbiting is to say about your brother what God has concealed about him. As for matters that are apparent, like leanness or haste, then it is not backbiting. Slander, however, is to say about him what is not in him.
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