It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked the companions (may Allah be pleased with them): "Do you know what backbiting is?" The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) replied, "Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) know best." The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Backbiting is that you mention about your brother something regarding a fault which is not in him." Someone asked, "Please tell us, if that fault is actually present in my brother which I mention in his absence, then what is the ruling?" The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If the fault you mention is present in him, then you have backbitten him, and if the fault you mention is not present in him, then you have slandered him."