Slander

Q 7: What is the ruling on those who backbite people with failings that are not true about them? I hear the word Buhtan; what does it mean?

A: Ghibah (backbiting) means mentioning the failings of your brother (in Islam) that he does not like; but if you mention failings that are not found in him and he dislikes them, this is Buhtan (slander). Both are Haram (prohibited). Allah (Exalted be He) says, ...neither backbite one another. This Ayah (Qur'anic verse) forbids Ghibah which the Prophet (peace be upon him) pointed out along with Buhtan. It was reported by Muslim and Abu Dawud on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked, "What is Ghibah." He said, "Ghibah implies your talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like." It was said to him, "What is your opinion if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made mention of?" He said, "If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbite him, and if it is not in him it is a slander." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.