Does the mention of a Muslim in the definition of backbiting restrict it to Muslims only, and is it permissible to mention a disbeliever with what he dislikes?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Gheebah (backbiting) is "your mentioning of your brother with what he dislikes," as stated in the noble . The brotherhood intended here is the brotherhood of Islam, and it is not permissible to backbite a Dhimmi (protected) disbeliever. The word "your brother" in the Hadith follows the غالب (common case), similar to His — Exalted be He — saying: "And your stepdaughters under your guardianship."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/83723
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 83723
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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