Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Backbiting a Believer Is Absolutely Forbidden, With Limited Exceptions

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Backbiting a Believer Is Absolutely Forbidden, With Limited Exceptions
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Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Sadeq Hosseini Shirazi said that backbiting a believer is categorically forbidden in Islamic law, noting that only limited exceptions may apply under specific conditions.

The remarks were made during his daily scholarly session held on Monday, the fifth day of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, where the Supreme Marja addressed questions from attendees on various jurisprudential issues.

Speaking about the rulings related to backbiting, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi stated that speaking ill of a believer in their absence is absolutely prohibited, though classical jurisprudence has discussed certain exceptions. He explained that some narrations indicate that backbiting a person who openly commits sins may be permissible, but added that there is disagreement among jurists on how broadly this exception should be applied.

He further noted that a group of jurists holds that backbiting such individuals may be allowed even regarding sins they commit privately. However, he emphasized that another group of scholars argues the permissibility applies only to sins committed openly and publicly.

His Eminence said he aligns with the latter view, stressing that the exception should be limited strictly to publicly committed offenses, and should not extend to a person’s concealed or private actions.