Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Our MSA chooses a president in a rather rigorous manner. After taking nominations and people accepting/declining, the old board and the new board sit down and decide who is the best candidate. We discuss all pros/cons of each person and than decide. Is this a situation where backbiting is allowed and what would be the general procedure as to what we can/can’t say? Because I read in the archive of when backbiting is allowed and this was not one of the reasons to make it permissible. Also, the meeting is confidential and all people make an oath that they won’t say anything after the meeting is done (things that happened at the meeting, how people voted, etc).
Walaikum assalam,
This follows the rulings of backbiting, because one of the central matters the Shariah came to safeguard is the honor of others, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.
As such, only negative matters there is a clear interest in mentioning and that relate to the issue at hand in a direct and significant manner can be mentioned.
Allah Most High says in the Qur’an,
“O you who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is sinful.
And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You abhor that (so abhor the other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful.
O people! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware.” [Qur’an, 49.12-13]
For past answers related to this, see: (http://www.sunnipath.com)
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani