Is an action not felt by its intended subject to be considered backbiting if another person perceives it as an insult?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Gheebah (backbiting) is to mention your Muslim brother with what he dislikes, as it is stated in Muslim. If what is said about him is true, then it is gheebah. If it is not true, then it is buhtan (slander). It is better to respond to ill-treatment with forgiveness, as it is closer to piety, as Allah Almighty says: "And that you pardon is nearer to piety." Insulting a Muslim, or cursing him, or frightening him is unlawful, unless it is for a legitimate Shari'ah right.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/105726
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 105726
- 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