Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
If one were to comment on how a certain 3-year-old is particularly aggressive towards your own toddler or how rude another preschooler is to his/her parents, would that constitute as gheeba? I sometimes discuss my children’s playmates with my husband and I worry if I am crossing any lines…
Answer:
Walaikum assalam,
As explained by Imam al-Barkawi, in his Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya, that which is spoken out of genuine concern, and for a recognized benefit, such the case mentioned, is not impermissible backbiting (ghiba).
However, this is an exception, and exceptions are only made to the extent of the need. As such, restraint is still absolutely necessary.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.