If it is within your capacity to stop others from backbiting then it is Wajib [compulsory] upon you to do so. Thus, preventing others from backbiting earns great rewards and failing to stop others from backbiting could result in harsh and severe punishments.

Give up sins immediately instead of slowly

Dear Islamic brothers! If you become emotional and start crying sincerely, even if it is just for a moment, اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه عَزَّوَجَلَّ, you will gain benefit. It will          اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه عَزَّوَجَلَّ cause a positive change. Develop the mindset that ‘I will try my best to improve myself.’ Repent and cry with remorse remembering your sins. Make a firm intention that ‘from now on’ I will never commit any sin –             اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه عَزَّوَجَلَّ’.

بڑی کوششیں کی گناہ چھوڑنے کی        رہے آہ! ناکام ہم یا الٰہی!

مجھے سچی توبہ کی توفیق دیدے       پئے تاجدارِ حرم یا الٰہی!

Dear Islamic brothers! As soon as we hear something negative against another Muslim we become alert and start reflecting; if the conversation contains backbiting or could lead to backbiting then refrain from it instantly. If someone else starts such negative comments, we should try to stop him in an appropriate manner. If he does not stop, we should leave that place. If stopping him and leaving that place are both not possible, then we should at least resent it from the heart. Try to change the topic of the discussion or avoid taking interest in the conversation by looking here and there, display an expression of boredom on the face, or look at the clock repeatedly in disgust.

In this regard, here are two narrations of the Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah, the Owner of Jannah صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم:

‘If backbiting of a Muslim brother is being committed in front of another Muslim, and he is in a position to help him, and he does so, then Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will help him in this world and the Hereafter. Whereas if he is in a