Is spreading news of adultery—for which there is no Shar'i evidence and which originated from the family of the person concerned—considered qadhf (slanderous accusation), given ignorance of the Shar'i ruling?

Delving into and violating the honor of Muslims is a grave sin and a clear transgression. Whoever harms believing men and believing women for what they have not earned has indeed borne a slander and a clear sin. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against seeking out the faults of Muslims. Whoever accuses a Muslim of a major indecency without clear evidence (four witnesses) has committed the grave sin of qadhf (false accusation of unchastity). Ignorance of the sacredness of this act might lift the sin if it is due to growing up in an environment where ignorance is widespread, but one must be careful of it in the future. Means of acquiring knowledge have become readily available and easy, so a Muslim must seek knowledge to remove ignorance from himself and to teach others.