BENEFIT 116: The ruling of Jarh wa ta'deel while fasting

Sheikh Yahya ḥafidhahullāh was asked about disclosing the condition of individuals who require such disclosure during the daytime of Ramaḍān—does this affect fasting? He responded: ‟No, because the scholars of Jarh Wa Ta'deel, may Allah have mercy on them, compiled their books in order to expose the ways of those who oppose [the Sharī‘ah], while fasting and while not fasting. This is an act of sincere advice towards Allah and His religion. Jarh Wa Tadeel is not prohibited while fasting or otherwise, especially when based on legitimate principles and correct criteria, while ensuring the adherence to truth in all circumstances. "And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a near relative." [Quran 6:152] "Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct." [Quran 16:90] "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, whether it is against yourselves or parents and relatives..." [Quran 4:135] A concensus has been relayed concerning the legitimacy of Jarh Wa Ta'deel, rather its obligation, especially for those who have the competence to undertake it. Because if it is neglected, the truth becomes mixed with falsehood, and the truthful become confused for the people of falsehood. And Allah says (interpreted meaning), "Thus do We detail the Ayaat, so the way of the criminals will become evident." [Quran 6:55]. In the book of Jarh Wa Tadeel, it is mentioned: "The chapter on describing narrators with weakness, and that this is not backbiting." This is also mentioned in Al-Kifāyah. It has been unanimously agreed upon. This is what we intended; this consensus is found in "The book of Al-Bir waṣ Ṣilah wal Ādāb" in Sahih Muslim, in the chapter: "The Prohibition of Injustice." Imam Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, commented on the hadith "Whoever relieves a Muslim from a distress from the distresses of the world..." narrated by Abu Hurairah. He commented, "Regarding criticising narrators, witnesses and trustees over charity, endowments, orphans, and the like, IT IS OBLIGATORY TO CRITICISE THEM WHEN NECESSARY, (Sheikh Yahya explains: that is, if they are entrusted with matters and they act unjustly, they are to be criticised/cautioned from until Muslims are safe from their deception.) Concealing their faults is not permissible when one notices something questionable about their competency. This is not considered forbidden backbiting; rather, it is OBLIGATORY ADVICE, AND THIS IS UNANIMOUSLY AGREED UPON.” [End of quote] This is obligatory advice!” Source: https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/359?single: Similarly, Sheikh Muḥammad Al-Ḥakami raḥimahullāh said: ‟The speech circulated from Muhammad Ibn Haadi Al-Madkhali regarding fasting, particularly when asked about Jarh Wa Ta'deel during daylight hours of Ramaḍān (https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/353), and he stated that speaking about individuals during [daylight hours of] Ramaḍān should be avoided as it constitutes backbiting, which is only justified by necessity, and the shari'ah has not obliged upon you to speak about this individual you intend to speak about during daylight hours of Ramaḍān. This is the speech of someone who lacks comprehensive understanding in the matter! Jarh Wa Ta'deel is an act of worship through which one gains nearness to Allah. And it may be obligatory at times. The base rule is that it is permissible, but it may be recommended at times, or even obligatory. And this ruling remains consistent during daylight hours of Ramaḍān as it does throughout the year, because its ruling does not change. How can it be permissible, or even obligatory, throughout the year and during the nights of Ramaḍān, then suddenly it becomes something which is to be left off during the daylight hours of Ramaḍān due to fasting?!