Dada & Me: Backbiting Song
Dada and Zayd use their song machine to make a song about backbiting and why we should never speak badly of people behind their backs. For ages 4 to 9.
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What is Dada & Me: Backbiting Song about?
Dada & Me: Backbiting Song is an Islamic video for children aged 4 to 9 in which Zayd and his grandfather, Dada, make a song about the harm of speaking badly about people behind their backs.
Zayd comes home upset. Someone at school was saying mean things about his friend. Dada agrees that talking badly about others is really unkind, and reminds him that speaking badly about someone behind their back is like eating their flesh. Maybe a song will help them, and everyone around them, to think twice before they speak. So it is off to the song machine. In go a snooty little llama, some walkie-talkies and, just to see what happens, some slime.
The song that comes out is catchy and funny, but its message is serious. Don't talk about your brother, your sister, your neighbour or anyone behind their back. The things we mumble go around and cause trouble, and they can come back to us. Instead of pointing at other people's faults, look into your own heart. Talebearers are like slimy snails that always leave a trail, and even if you hide behind a screen, the angels know. The strongest person is the one who holds their tongue, especially when they are angry.
The video ends with the Dada & Me theme and a prayer to spread love and peace. This version is music-free: the song is sung with voices only.
What your child will learn
- Backbiting means saying bad things about someone behind their back.
- Allah compares backbiting to eating the flesh of your brother.
- Before pointing at others' faults, we should look into our own hearts.
- The strongest person is the one who controls their tongue when angry.
Where this video comes from
- Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12: Do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?
- Sahih Muslim 2589: The Prophet ﷺ explained that backbiting is saying something about your brother that he would dislike.
Talk about it afterwards
- What happened at school that upset Zayd?
- Why does the song say backbiting is like "chewing on somebody else"?
- What can you do if you hear someone talking badly about a friend?
- Why is it hardest to hold your tongue when you are angry?
Words to know
- Ghibah
- Backbiting; saying something about someone behind their back that they would not like.
- Dada
- Grandad, a word for a grandfather in many South Asian families.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Dada & Me: Backbiting Song suitable for?
Children aged 4 to 9. It is a catchy, funny song with a serious message about gossip and unkind words.
Is Dada & Me: Backbiting Song based on the Qur'an?
Yes. Its main image, that backbiting is like eating a brother's flesh, comes from Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12.
Does Dada & Me: Backbiting Song have music?
No. This version is music-free, sung with voices only.
How long is Dada & Me: Backbiting Song?
About 6 minutes.
