What is the wording of slander (qadhf) and insult (sabb), and is it a condition to utter it to be considered slander, or is mere imagination or writing considered slander?
The fundamental principle is for a Muslim to avoid insulting, slandering, and anything that harms another Muslim. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "A believer is not a slanderer, nor a curser, nor an obscene person, nor a foul-mouthed person." Slandering a chaste person is a major sin punishable by eighty lashes. The slander that warrants this punishment is accusing someone of adultery (zina), either explicitly, implicitly, or through innuendo accompanied by a strong indication. Writing an explicit accusation of zina or a clear innuendo implying it carries the same ruling as uttering it verbally. If the mentioned phrase means that the speaker imagines that someone is committing zina, this is not slander that necessitates the prescribed punishment (hadd). However, it is a reprehensible statement, and the Imam has the authority to issue discretionary punishment (ta'zir) to anyone who insults or abuses another without just cause.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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