Severity Of Sins – Comparing Adultery With Backbiting
Both are major sins and are explicitly prohibited in Quran. Adultery not only falls under Fawahish which is prohibited in Quran but also severely effects the family structure in a society. And if it is fornication ( done while being married ), then in addition to the above points, it is a direct violation of the rights of one’s spouse. Back biting on the other hand is a result of pride and vanity and it also falls under oppression which is transgressing against the honour of the other person. Please see the following detailed thread which will help you in understanding major and minor sins along with Quranic references: Discussion 80980