What is the ruling on defaming a bad colleague from a previous job with the intention of warning people about him?
The basic principle is the prohibition of backbiting and mentioning faults. Allah, the Almighty, says: "And do not backbite each other." It is not permissible to mention flaws unless there is a legitimate and recognized Shar'i interest. So, if someone knows of a flaw in their colleague, they should not expose them unless someone intends to deal with them. In such a case, the flaw should be mentioned to the extent necessary for warning and advising. Similarly, it is obligatory to disclose a flaw when consulted about marriage or transactions, while being careful to maintain sincerity of intention and good purpose, and to beware of being motivated by malice or envy.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 193257
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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