What is the ruling on saying, "Praise be to Allah that I did not take it," and what must the speaker do after feeling remorse?

Backbiting is to mention your brother with what he dislikes, even if what you say is true about him; otherwise, it is slander. Describing someone as "of ordinary creation and not beautiful" falls under it if it is meant to disparage.

Repentance from backbiting usually does not require informing the person who was backbited, especially if informing them would lead to greater corruption. Instead, one should feel remorse, resolve not to return to it, mention the person kindly, and seek forgiveness for them. However, if the person has become aware of the backbiting, it is better to seek their forgiveness.