In the expiation for backbiting, is it sufficient to say: "My Lord, forgive me, and the believing men and women, and the Muslim men and women," as a plea for forgiveness for the one who was backbitten, or is it obligatory to supplicate for him by name?

Backbiting is one of the major sins, and its danger lies in its relation to the rights of people, and in it being an easy sin that many people fall into.

Repentance from backbiting is not complete except with sincere repentance and abstaining from it, and seeking forgiveness from the wronged person, and obtaining their absolution if possible, while ensuring that this does not lead to a greater harm. If one fears greater harm, then it suffices to seek forgiveness, supplicate for them, and praise them in their absence.

Seeking forgiveness should not be in general terms; rather, the person who was backbited must be specifically mentioned in supplication and praise. It is also sunnah for the backbiter to perform good deeds, such as giving charity or offering assistance, and dedicate their reward to the person who was backbited, because the aim is to counteract a bad deed with a good one.

If the wronged person is not compensated in this world, then compensation is inevitable in the Hereafter. Therefore, the repentant wrongdoer must accumulate many good deeds to compensate those they have wronged.