What is the ruling on slandering disbelievers and backbiting and tale-bearing about those who are not People of the Book, and will the disbeliever exact retribution from the Muslim on the Day of Resurrection?
The ruling on backbiting a disbeliever varies depending on their status. If they are a belligerent disbeliever, their honor is permissible (to be spoken ill of). If they are a dhimmi (a non-Muslim living under Islamic rule), their honor is sacred, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever hears a Jew or a Christian (and does not respond to their call to Islam) will enter the Fire." And also based on his saying to Hassan: "Lampoon the polytheists, for the Holy Spirit is with you." As for retribution from a Muslim to a disbeliever on the Day of Judgment, retribution will be exacted for the oppressed among the disbelievers, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, even if he is a disbeliever, for there is no barrier between it and Allah."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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