05-04-2003, 07:18 AM
On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had said:
During the night journey (Mi`raj), I saw a group of people who were scratching their chests and faces with their copper nails. I asked, who are these peoples, Gabriel replied that these are the people who eat the flesh of each other (by backbiting) and slander them.
(Reported by Abu Dawud)
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Lessons Deduced:
- This hadith gives a grave warning against backbiting. The backbiter is like the one who eats the flesh of people.