The Ruling on Mentioning People's Flaws in Their Absence

Question:
The second issue for which he seeks your guidance is speaking about people with flaws in their absence. He asks: Is this permissible or not? May Allah reward you with good. And what is the difference between that and backbiting?

Answer:
Speaking about people's flaws when they are not named is permissible. Some people engage in a lot of backbiting, and some people engage in talebearing. For the purpose of warning, this is permissible. Some people lie, and some people oppress, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, naming so-and-so, the son of so-and-so, and stating that he did such and such of a bad thing, that is backbiting. It is mentioning your brother in a way he dislikes. Saying "So-and-so, the son of so-and-so, is stingy," or "So-and-so is a coward," or "So-and-so severs family ties," and the like, no, that is backbiting. Talebearing is conveying bad speech. Conveying to Zayd, saying: "Do you see your brother saying such and such about you?" or "Do you see your mother saying such and such?" or "Do you see your uncle saying such and such?" until he stirs up hatred between them. This is not permissible. This is talebearing and the like of it. Yes.

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