What is incumbent upon one to do when attending a feast where backbiting occurs, given the custom that prevents one from leaving before the elder of the gathering, and is departing to avoid sin considered a defect warranting blame?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Backbiting is forbidden and is considered a major sin. Listening to it and remaining silent—whether in approval or endorsement—is also forbidden. Whoever hears backbiting must object with their tongue, even by changing the topic of conversation. If unable, they should object in their heart and leave the gathering unless there is a necessity. The silent person is a partner to the backbiter. Listening and paying attention to backbiting is forbidden, and the listener should remember Allah or think about something else to distract themselves from listening.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/24183
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 24183
- 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