Supplement for the benefit: Types of Permissible Backbiting, Part Three

Of this kind is the third type: "The complainant, the one who informs, and the one who warns." As for the one who warns: without a question and answer, a Muslim sees a young Muslim man who has grown up in obedience to Allah, or a veiled, modest, and reserved girl who is associating with a girl of no moral character. It is obligatory for the Muslim man or woman to warn that young man or young woman about associating with that deviant person, for fear that he will be corrupted by his association and companionship. There are many hadiths, all revolving around one issue, which is that a Muslim—and we must always know that when we say "Muslim," the Muslim woman is included in this meaning—must choose the companion and friend with whom he associates and mixes. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . , . This is because, as the common proverb says, "The companion is a drag-along." Indeed, the companion is a drag-along; the contagion of a companion of bad character spreads from him to his companion. Therefore, the Messenger (may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him) excelled when he compared the righteous companion and the wicked companion by saying (peace and blessings be upon him): . This is the case with a companion, whether he is righteous or wicked; there is no escape from being affected by him, either for good or for evil. If that is the case, then if you see a young man accompanying an open sinner, you must warn him and say to him, "So-and-so has such and such characteristics." Although this is backbiting, it is among the backbiting that is exempted from prohibition, because religion is sincere advice, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . They said: "For whom, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: . This is sincere advice to the general Muslim community when we see a Muslim accompanying a Muslim open sinner whose nature and character he does not know. We must warn him about him so that he is not affected by him. This is the third type, the one who warns: the complainant, the one who informs, and the one who warns.