The Ruling on Sitting with Those Who Engage in Backbiting

Question:
A letter signed by one of the female listeners, the sender is Umm Abdullah. Umm Abdullah says: I live with people who are most like hypocrites, and I am unmarried and live with them, and I am forced to share meals with them. However, they do not care about lying, backbiting, or talebearing. During the meal, you see them engaging in backbiting about people from time to time. Please guide us, O Shaykh, especially since at times I am unable to forbid what is wrong.

Answer:
It is obligatory for you to forbid what is wrong by advising them and speaking kindly to them when they engage in wrongdoings and backbiting. You must forbid it to the best of your ability. If it is possible for you to be alone after them, or before them, take your food alone before or after them, and do so. If this is not possible, then fear Allah as much as you can, eat and forbid what is wrong, and leave after you have relieved yourself. But if it is possible for you to leave the place where they are and be separated from them, do so. This is what is obligatory for you [al-Taghabun:16].

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.