What are the rulings on listening to backbiting someone unknown to the listener but known to the speaker? What is the ruling on backbiting for the purpose of exhortation and giving examples? How can one turn away from backbiting, and what is the minimum required to clear one's conscience? Is it a condition for repentance to mention the good qualities of the backbitten person in the same gathering and to the same people?

Whoever hears backbiting must rebuke the backbiter with wisdom, because it is forbidden, and because defending a Muslim's honor is a religious obligation, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No man deserts a Muslim man in a place where his sanctity is violated and his honor is belittled, but Allah will desert him in a place where he loves to be helped." If it is not possible to rebuke, then it is obligatory to refrain from laughing or approving of the backbiting and continuing to listen to it, and to leave the gathering. Mentioning the good qualities of the one who was backbited is required if possible, otherwise, Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.