Hadith Text

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Do you know what calumny is?" They said, "No, Allah and His Messenger know best." He said, "Telling people what other people have said in order to create dissension between them."

Reference: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 425

Definition of Calumny (Namimah)

The Prophet ﷺ defines calumny (namimah) as conveying speech between people with the intention of causing corruption and dissension between them. This is distinct from merely informing someone of what was said about them for a legitimate benefit.

Namimah is among the major sins in Islam, as it destroys relationships, breeds hatred, and corrupts communities. The one who engages in it is cursed in both this world and the Hereafter.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam Al-Nawawi states: "Namimah is conveying the speech of some people to others with the intent of causing corruption between them. This is prohibited by consensus of the Muslims."

Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani explains: "The essence of namimah is revealing what should be concealed with the purpose of harming others. It includes revealing secrets and private conversations."

Scholars differentiate between namimah and legitimate reporting: if the speech conveyed contains backbiting (ghibah) or serves no beneficial purpose, it falls under prohibited calumny.

Practical Implications

A Muslim must guard their tongue from conveying speech that could cause enmity between Muslims, even if the information is true.

If one hears something negative about another person, they should not transmit it unless there is a clear Islamic benefit, such as preventing harm or reconciling between people.

The one who engages in namimah must sincerely repent to Allah, seek forgiveness from those they harmed, and rectify the damage caused by their speech.