A discussion on the obligation to respond to gossip and prohibit wrongdoing, especially when one is unable to do so.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
- The listener must respond to gossip, meaning they should refute the claim of wrongdoing made by the gossiper and also prohibit the gossiper from wrongdoing.
The first level of prohibiting wrongdoing is to act in a way that shows one's heart is averse to the wrongdoing, and that they are requesting the person to do good and refrain from wrongdoing. This has degrees: such as closing one's eyes, frowning, turning away, avoiding interaction, and similar actions. One must limit themselves to this level if there is a possibility of effecting change and stopping the wrongdoing. It is also necessary to stick to the lower degree, especially if the other party is in a situation where their actions are disgraceful; one should not exceed the necessary amount. If it is possible to achieve the desired outcome by merely closing one's eyes, it is not permissible to escalate to a higher level.
- If you cannot respond or prohibit wrongdoing, you must leave the gathering.
- You must refute the gossip, meaning you should deny the claim of wrongdoing made by the gossiper against the person being gossiped about, and you must also prohibit the gossiper from wrongdoing. If you cannot do either, you must leave the gathering.
- The gossiper must repent. If the person being gossiped about is alive and it is possible to seek forgiveness from them without causing harm, one must apologize to them. If they are deceased or if seeking forgiveness is not possible, one must seek forgiveness for them, and a single instance of seeking forgiveness is sufficient.
Source: Special Inquiry: 1, 2, 3, 4
Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him):
- It is not appropriate for a believer to listen to the gossip of their fellow believer, and it is recommended for the listener to support the person being gossiped about if it does not lead to harm. Indeed, it has been reported from the Prophet and the Imams (peace be upon them) that the listener of gossip must support the person being gossiped about and refute the gossip; if they do not, Allah will forsake them in this world and the Hereafter, and they will bear the sin of the gossiper.
Yes, it is obligatory to prohibit gossip based on the obligation to prohibit wrongdoing, provided the conditions are met.
- You are not required to leave the place if you cannot deter the speaker, but if it is possible to show disapproval and discomfort with their words, it is necessary to do so, even if you know it will not deter them.
- Yes, it is obligatory to forgive the gossiper if doing so alleviates the disgrace they have caused (provided there is no harm or detriment); otherwise, if forgiving does not alleviate the disgrace, it is not obligatory, and the gossiper must only repent and regret the sin they committed. However, it is recommended for them to forgive the gossiper if there is no harm or detriment, and it is also recommended to seek forgiveness for them, with a single instance of seeking forgiveness being sufficient.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Part One, Chapter – Prohibitions in Sacred Law – and the obligation to prohibit gossip + Fiqh for Expatriates, Gossip and Its Prohibition. + Official site: 1, 2
May you be successful in all good.