How does one repent for backbiting?

Q. Do you have to seek the forgiveness of a person who you backbite or is Taubah enough?

A. In this regard, there are two situations:

a) The person who had been backbit is unaware of it. In this case, Taubah and Istighfaar will be sufficient.

b) The person who had been backbit is aware of it. In this case, Taubah and Istighfaar will not suffice. Rather, it will be necessary for a person to seek the forgiveness of whom he had backbit. (Shaami 6/410)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com