By Shaykh Yusuf Ludhyanwi

It has been reported by Abu Hurayrah رضى الله تعالى عنه that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has stated:
“A person at time utters words, to which he does not give any significance, but which cause him to fall seventy years of distance into the depths of Jahannam.”

Commentary:
The Hadeeth in question warns of irresponsible and reckless speech, in particular that which is made to amuse people or make them laugh. It points to statements which are hastily made and not duly considered. Usually people say things without giving due consideration to the fact that these utterances, however small and seemingly insignificant, can turn out to be dangerous enough to invite the Anger of Allah and land them into the depths of Jahannam. Backbiting, ridiculing, dishonoring and defaming people, uttering words which imply kufr, can all, among many others, be included in the list of such statements.

People might make such statements either to amuse others or inadvertently. Either way they are apt to produce untold damage. At times, seemingly insignificant utterances can even strip a person of his Iman.

Source: Riyadul Jannah Vol 12 Issue 2