A woman who frequently sits in gatherings of women, where backbiting and belittling often occur, and who is also distressed by this and does not want it, but cannot change this evil or even leave the gathering.

The questioner : A woman frequently sits in gatherings of women, and backbiting and belittling often occur in these gatherings. I am also distressed by this and do not want it, but I cannot change this evil, nor even leave the gathering I am in. Am I considered a partner with them in the sin in such a case, even though I hate it in my heart and am distressed by it, but I cannot do anything else? What is the course of action in such a situation? I ask for your advice and guidance, O honorable Shaykh?

The Shaykh : Yes, the course of action in this case is that she should leave the gathering. It is not permissible for her to remain, even if she hates it in her heart. It is obligatory for her to leave the gathering because there is no compulsion upon her.
However, if she is threatened and told, "If you leave the gathering, we will beat you," and the one threatening her is capable of doing so, then she is forced to remain, and there is no blame on her.