Speech and Backbiting
338 questions
What is the ruling on using words like "bull" or "oxen" to describe a person or people with the intent that they are large-bodied and strong, knowing that the listener may perceive these words as offensive, and is this considered backbiting (ghibah)?
Is a mother's saying to her son's father, "He babbles in his speech"—intending that he sometimes speaks foolishly—considered backbiting?
Does cursing someone by saying, "May Allah curse you," invalidate the fast? And is it obligatory to make up for that day?
How do we distinguish or balance between "Let him say good or remain silent" and "He who is silent about the truth is a mute devil"? And how do we distinguish between "He who is silent about the truth is a mute devil" and "Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it," and backbiting and slander, to avoid falling into sin?
What is the ruling on speaking about the errors and transgressions of individuals mentioned in the Qur'an and Hadith, and is that considered backbiting (ghibah)?
Is complaining and talking about a problem with someone or their behavior considered backbiting (gheebah), which is forbidden?
Is a son's complaint about one of his parents' injustice towards his brother or friend, without incitement or stirring up hatred, considered haram or backbiting?
Is it permissible to watch the satirical program "Al-Qalabis" which imitates political and religious figures with the intention of criticizing them, knowing that it may degrade them? And does the ruling on backbiting apply to it? And does laughing at imitated religious figures in humorous situations fall under the category of mocking believers or disbelieving ridicule?
Is our discussion of our father's family who mistreat and oppress us, and mentioning their faults in response to their insults against us, considered backbiting (gheebah)?
Is recalling the wrongdoings of those who wronged you to yourself, with the intention of alleviating your rage, considered backbiting?
Is speaking about an uncle who does not visit, and who cut ties with the speaker's father, considered backbiting, given that the speaker said to her son, "Pray for those who cut you off"?
Is informing one's sister that her brother's wife is ill-mannered, instigative, and lazy considered backbiting and a major sin?
Is conveying news about the family, and whether someone has caused problems, considered backbiting?
Is it permissible to inform the husband of what his sister said about him, given that the wife knows that the sister curses her brother to their mother?
Is discussing how well other husbands treat their wives or their luxurious lifestyles considered backbiting if the aim is to encourage one's own husband to emulate them and improve his treatment?
Can a sister be punished for her brother's sin and his laxity in religion?
Is spreading news about forbidden relationships or suspicions of adultery, whether this news comes from the girl's own confession or is merely rumors circulated by people, considered a slander against chaste, believing women? Does this lead to sin and unforgiveness? And does confronting and advising the girl accused of such actions fall under the category of slander?
Will God forgive the harm my brother's wife has caused, given her memorization of the Qur'an and attendance at lectures, especially since everyone is aware of her bad behavior and her prevention of my brother from visiting me?
Does conveying information about a young man, with whom a girl had a previous relationship, possessing a picture of her now that she is married, constitute qadhf (slanderous accusation of illicit sexual relations), or backbiting and tale-bearing?
Is mentioning a son's flaws or complaining about him in front of others considered backbiting (Gheebah) for which one will be held accountable?
Is spreading rumors circulating about an unmarried girl being pregnant, which a person heard and mentioned to others, considered slandering chaste women (qadhf al-muhsanat) and a major sin (kabirah), especially if the one spreading the rumor is unaware of the truth of the matter?
Is talking about a specific person and narrating what happened concerning them considered backbiting (gheebah), especially if it is for the purpose of seeking advice?
How should I act towards my family members who constantly backbite people? Should I abandon them and not sit with them, given my mother's need for my help? And what should I tell them if they ask me why I don't sit with them? Is it permissible to lie in this situation for fear of showing off?
Will a girl take from the good deeds of the questioner and his friend because they slandered her, and what is the expiation for that if the answer is yes?