Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (may Allah have mercy on him) goes so far as to say that the easiest way to avoid backbiting (Gheebat) is not to mention others at all, neither in praise nor in criticism, because this Satan is very vile. This is because when you mention someone in a good way, saying that a certain person is a very good man and has this goodness in him, it will remain in your mind that you are not backbiting about him but rather mentioning him in a good way. However, what will happen then is that while describing his good qualities, Satan will insert a sentence in between that will turn that goodness into evil. For example, he will say that a certain person is indeed a very good man... "but" he has such-and-such flaw in him. This word "but" will come and ruin everything. The result of this will be that the direction of the conversation will shift toward backbiting. Therefore, Hazrat Thanvi says that you should not mention others at all, neither in a good way nor in a bad way. And if you are mentioning someone in a good way, then sit down with tight preparation (be very vigilant) so that Satan does not put you on the wrong path.