Abu Bakrah said that when a man praised another man in his face in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ said : You have beheaded your friend (saying it three times). He then said : One who cannot help expressing praise of his companion, should say : I consider him such and such (as he intends to say), but I do not declare him pure with Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught us the importance of being mindful when speaking about others and to always speak the truth no matter how difficult it may seem at times. He reminded us that by praising someone in their presence, we are essentially “beheading” our friend because it can lead to feelings of pride or arrogance which are both considered sins in Islam. Therefore, this hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to practice humility and modesty when speaking about themselves or others around them.