How can we define backbiting?

· 28 Ramadan 1421 AH1 min readFatwa 1814English

Question

If something is really bothering you...Say you had a stressful day at work, or someone was unfair with you and this problem is really bothering you...if you discuss the details of this problem with your wife, and you tell her how you feel about the problem and how you feel that so and so person was unfair with you and has really upset you...is this considered backbiting? Where do we draw the line between stating the facts and backbiting? Sometimes I find it difficult to keep every single thing that involves a third party cooped up inside.

Answer

The underlying reason for the prohibiyion of backbiting is to disgrace and humiliate the person.If one complains about the unfair treatment given to him/her at work, with the intention of relieving the pressure from oneself, that is not regarded as backbiting.

And Allah Ta'ala knows best

Mufti E. Desai

Answered by
Mufti E. Desai
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, please ask a Mufti. Report an issue

For corrections or mistakes, please email us at fatawasa786@gmail.com.