أحسن الله إليكم Re: backbiting If a relative is complaining about a colleague whom I dont know (and they know that I dont know the person), would it be backbiting if I validate my relative's hurt feelings, like saying "yes, your colleague doesnt seem nice, I can understand why you'd feel hurt"?

Ustadh AbdulAziz al-Haqqan

The mention itself does not fall on you. Do not affirm the complaint against him though, remind them of sabr and turn the talk, as you do not also know the reality. Say good words and change the subject to something you get rewarded for in sha'a Allah.