Slander and backbiting has been condemned by the Noble Qur'an which compares the act of carrying takes to that of carrying wood. The allegory is superb. Just as wood spreads fire, so does backbiting which ignites passions, creates ill-will, and foments hatred. There are several verses in the Noble Qur'an denouncing the tendency to evil talk: "A slanderer going about with calmunies." (68:11), "Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it." (50:18), "Woe to every slanderer and backbiter." (104:1)