I heard `Urwa bin Az-Zubair, Sa`id bin Al-Musaiyab, 'Alqama bin Waqqas and 'Ubaidullah bin `Abdullah bin `Uqba relating from `Aisha, the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) the narration of the people (i.e. the liars) who spread the slander against her and they said what they said, and how Allah revealed her innocence. Each of them related to me a portion of that narration. (They said that `Aisha said), ''Then Allah revealed the ten Verses starting with:--'Verily! Those who spread the slander..' (24.11-21) All these verses were in proof of my innocence. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq who used to provide for Mistah some financial aid because of his relation to him, said, "By Allah, I will never give anything (in charity) to Mistah, after what he has said about `Aisha" Then Allah revealed:-- 'And let not those among you who are good and are wealthy swear not to give (any sort of help) to their kins men....' (24.22) On that, Abu Bakr said, "Yes, by Allah, I like that Allah should forgive me." and then resumed giving Mistah the aid he used to give him and said, "By Allah! I will never withhold it from him."
Commentary on the Incident of Ifk (The Slander)
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6679 recounts the grave incident wherein the Mother of Believers, 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), was falsely accused. The scholars explain that this event was a severe test from Allah for the Prophet, his household, and the entire Muslim community, demonstrating how even the most pious can be subjected to calumny.
Imam Al-Qurtubi states in his tafsir that the revelation of verses 11-21 of Surah An-Nur came to definitively establish 'Aisha's innocence, serving as an eternal proof in the Qur'an. This incident also established the Islamic legal principle that accusers of chaste women must produce four witnesses, failing which they themselves are to be punished for slander.
The Wisdom in Abu Bakr's Reaction
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq's initial refusal to continue financial support for Mistah bin Uthathah, who had participated in the slander, represents the natural human response to betrayal. Scholars like Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani note that this demonstrates how even the most righteous companions experienced human emotions, making their subsequent obedience to divine command even more remarkable.
The immediate revelation of verse 24:22, "And let not those among you who are good and wealthy swear not to give to their relatives..." provided crucial guidance. Ibn Kathir explains that this verse teaches Muslims not to let personal grievances prevent them from fulfilling righteous obligations, especially toward relatives.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Classical scholars derive several important rulings from this narration: First, the necessity of verifying information before acting upon it. Second, the prohibition of cutting off kinship ties, even when wronged. Third, the importance of immediate compliance with divine commandments, as demonstrated by Abu Bakr's swift resumption of charity.
Imam An-Nawawi emphasizes that this incident establishes the principle that personal feelings must not override religious obligations. The speed with which Abu Bakr responded to the revelation, saying "I like that Allah should forgive me," exemplifies the attitude of the righteous when confronted with divine guidance.