What should the questioner do about her mother and sisters who engage in backbiting when she visits them, given that her attempts to change the subject provoke her mother's anger?
Backbiting is forbidden by Islamic law, as Allah Almighty says: "And do not backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful." Those who engage in backbiting should be diverted to another topic, or one should leave their gathering, while striving to convince them to refrain from slandering people, and clarifying the ruling on backbiting and its dangers. You can discuss this with your sisters in your mother's absence, and continue to advise your mother gently while praying for her. When meeting with family, one should occupy the conversation with stories of the righteous predecessors, news of repentant individuals, discussions about the Hereafter, Paradise, and Hell, or beneficial ideas regarding raising children.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 89313
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy