Backbiting, Rumours and Reputation

Backbiting (ghibah) means speaking about another person in a way they would dislike when that person is absent, even when the criticism is true. In Sahih Muslim 2589 the Prophet ﷺ distinguishes such speech from slander (buhtan): when the accusation is false, it becomes a further wrong. The Qur'an explicitly forbids spying and backbiting (49:12), and instructs verification of consequential reports (49:6). A claim does not become harmless because it is shared as a joke or repeated by many people.

Start with a situation students may face at school, at home or online. Ask who could be hurt and whose rights must be protected. Do not judge people from rumours. Listen, check the facts and speak respectfully. Sometimes two good duties need to be balanced, such as protecting privacy and reporting serious harm. Think about what each choice may cause. Choose a fair and safe response, and explain why. If a child is in danger or someone is being harmed, ask a trusted adult for help.