I am a history teacher and I have a problem, O honorable Shaykh

The questioner : He says, "I am a history teacher and I have a problem."

The Shaykh : ... .

The questioner : He says: "I am a history teacher and I have a problem, O honorable..."The Shaykh : It is that when I explain certain historical figures, they are mentioned in a negative light, such as betrayal, treachery, breaking of covenants, arrogance, or ugliness of appearance, or something else. These figures may be Muslim. My question, O honorable Shaykh, is whether my mentioning these figures in a way they would dislike is considered backbiting?

The Shaykh : I see that a Muslim should not be mentioned in a negative light, whether he is alive or dead, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: As for the good qualities, they should be mentioned, because good qualities call for making du'a for the man and mentioning him with good. So what I see is that if something of this kind comes to you, and it is established with certainty that it came from this man whose life we are discussing, then seek an excuse for him; seek an excuse for him. But if it is not established, then Allah the Exalted says: Yes.