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What is incumbent upon one to do when attending a feast where backbiting occurs, given the custom that prevents one from leaving before the elder of the gathering, and is departing to avoid sin considered a defect warranting blame?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Backbiting is forbidden and is considered a major sin. Listening to it and remaining silent—whether in approval or endorsement—is also forbidden. Whoever hears backbiting must object with their tongue, even by changing the topic of conversation. If unable, they should object in their heart and leave the gathering unless there is a necessity. The silent person is a partner to the backbiter. Listening and paying attention to backbiting is forbidden, and the listener should remember Allah or think about something else to distract themselves from listening.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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