When Can a Person be Criticised to his face?

When can a person be criticised to his face?

Question: What is the ruling upon speaking to a person’s face and informing him of his shortcomings whilst he listens – is this permissible?

Answer: It is permissible if it is from the aspect of advising him and reprimanding him so that he is prevented from disobedience, and that it is done with fine manners so that he accepts the advice. As for it being done from the aspect of malice, and abuse and insult, or to publicise his faults and the like of this, then it is not permissible. And with Allaah is the tawfeeq. And may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and his Companions.

Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz Shaykh `Abdullah bin Ghudayaan Shaykh `Abdullaah bin Qu`ood Shaykh `Abdur-Razzaaq al-`Afeefee

Question 6 from fatwa 5276 P342 Volume 12 Fataawaa of the Permanent Committee

Translated by Abu Abdir Rahmaan Nasser ibn Najam