Is Listening to Someone Repeat a Rumour Considered Backbiting?
Question
Assalamualaikum If one is asking ones classmate about a rumour to make sure if it's true or not and the person being asked , becomes emotions and rudely says what a specific person said , in a mocking way . Is this backbiting , if one just listens and does not tell the person to say in an another way . If that person is speaking loudly , that his/her family members can hear , and one asking , tells him/her to speak lower , but gets a reply , they already know , except one or two person. Would it be a sin , if that person who doens't know , if coming into the room , to listen secretly or if not coming can listen it in another room . Thank you for your time .
Islamic Ruling & Answer
Walekumussalam,
If someone asks about a rumor only to find out whether it is true, the intention itself is not sinful. However, if the person answering speaks about someone in a mocking or bad way, then it can become backbiting. In that situation, the listener should politely stop them or change the topic. It is not right to just keep listening silently.
If the person is speaking loudly on their own, then the sin is on them, especially if someone who did not know about it hears it. But secretly trying to listen on purpose is also not correct. A Muslim should avoid backbiting neither speak it nor take part in listening to it.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
March 04, 2026 ยท Updated June 20, 2026
Researched & verified under our editorial & answer-review policy.
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