Slandering

Question

People accuse Zayd and slander him, alleging that Zayd makes Khalida commit fornication; they threaten him, saying, “We will have a warrant issued against you,” and they call Zayd a dayyuth (one who condones indecency). Are these people sinners according to the Shari‘a or not, and is prayer behind Zayd valid or not?

Answer

Slandering anyone without proof is a major sin. Those people who accuse Zayd without testimony recognised by the Shari‘a are grave sinners, and as long as it is not established by testimony recognised by the Shari‘a, this will do no harm to Zayd’s imamate. Rather, the five daily prayers, Jumu‘a and the two ‘Id prayers — all of it is valid behind Zayd as before.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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