What is the story of the slander (Al-Ifk) mentioned in the Holy Quran? Thank you.
The story of the Ifk (slander) began with the Prophet (peace be upon him) drawing lots among his wives for a military expedition, and the lot fell on Aisha. On the way back, Aisha lost her necklace and fell behind the army. Safwan ibn al-Mu'attal al-Sulami found her and escorted her. Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul bore the brunt of the slander, and Hassan ibn Thabit, Mistah ibn Uthathah, and Hamnah bint Jahsh participated with him. Aisha was ill for a month, unaware of the slander. Then she learned about it from Umm Mistah, and her illness worsened. The Prophet (peace be upon him) consulted Ali, Usama, and Barirah. The Prophet stood up to deliver a sermon, seeking excuse from the one who had harmed his family, and a dispute erupted between the Aws and the Khazraj. The revelation of Aisha's innocence descended in ten verses from Surat An-Nur. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq forgave Mistah after he had sworn not to spend on him, and the verse was revealed: "{And let not those among you who are blessed with grace and amplitude swear not to give}" [24:22]. Zaynab bint Jahsh testified to Aisha's good character, while her sister perished among those who perished. The man falsely accused by the rumor was killed in the way of Allah.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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