It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Do you know what tale-bearing is?" The companions replied: Allah and His Messenger know best. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is conveying the words of some people to others in order to cause discord among them."

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) says: Indeed, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Shall I not tell you what «عضه» is? It is carrying tales between people." And in another narration: "It is tale-carrying that causes discord among people."