If One Overhears a Conversation is it Sinful to Continue to Listen?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Is it sinful, if one overhears someone talking about yourself or your matters, to continue to listen in on the conversation?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
It is not permitted to spy on others, irrespective of the topic of discussion.
Allah Most High said, “Believers, avoid making too many assumptions– some assumptions are sinful– and do not spy on one another or speak ill of people behind their backs…” [49.12]
Have a good opinion of others, and concern yourself with what will benefit you forever.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani