From backbiting: describing a man as arrogant, even if he is in fact arrogant
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Fatwa number ( 11824 )
Q: Is it permissible, for example, for me to say: "This man is arrogant," if he is indeed arrogant?
A : Your criticism of the man by saying that he is arrogant, if you are truthful in what you say, is from the backbiting that is prohibited. And if you are lying in what you say, it is from lying and slander; as established in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):Riyad as-Salihin 1523 . And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: Is it permissible, for example, for me to say: "This man is arrogant," if he is indeed arrogant?
A : Your criticism of the man by saying that he is arrogant, if you are truthful in what you say, is from the backbiting that is prohibited. And if you are lying in what you say, it is from lying and slander; as established in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Do you know what is backbiting?" The Companions said: "Allah and His Messenger know better." Thereupon he said, "Backbiting is talking about your (Muslim) brother in a manner which he dislikes." It was said to him: "What if my (Muslim) brother is as I say." He said, "If he is actually as you say, then that is backbiting; but if that is not in him, that is slandering."
أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: أتدرون ما الغيبة؟ قـالوا: الله ورسوله أعلم قال: ذكرك أخاك بما يكره، قيل: أفرأيـت إن كـان في أخـي مـا أقول؟ قال: إن كان فيه ما تقول فقد اغتبته، وإن لم يكن فيه ما تقول فقد بهته
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.