The ruling on backbiting an unknown person and the statement that there is no backbiting for an unknown person

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah preserve you, what is your view of one who backbites a person in front of people who do not know him, and says, "There is no backbiting for an unknown person"? Does he become like one who backbites a known person?

Answer:
Who said there is no backbiting for an unknown person? The report states there is no backbiting for an open sinner, but there is backbiting for an unknown person. It is not permissible to speak about the honor of his Muslim brother, even if they are trying to [do so] or some of them do not know him.
This matter requires the people of authority and decision-making. This is referred to the people of authority and decision-making from among the scholars and the prominent figures of the people. If they decide to rise against this ruler for his disbelief, and the Muslims have the capability to rise against him, then there is no harm. But if there is no capability and more harm and shedding of blood will occur, then they are patient until Allah brings relief. The result is that this is a matter not for everyone. This is referred to the scholars of the Muslims and the people of authority and decision-making. They are the ones who look into this matter and decide what they see as conforming to the Shari'ah.