Does the elderly wife's discussion with her children about her husband's bad deeds, in order to relieve herself, count as backbiting?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible for a wife to complain about her husband if he is unjust, provided there is no aggression or falsehood, in order to reclaim her right. Ibn Taymiyyah stated that among the exceptions to the prohibition of backbiting is that the wronged person may speak about their oppressor with what is true about them, citing the verse: "Allah does not like the public mention of evil except by one who has been wronged." Nevertheless, patience, seeking reward from Allah, and complaining to Allah are better.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/67992
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 67992
- 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