Investigating the Kafārah of Backbiting: Weak Chain and Scholars’ Opinions

Source: Fatawa Ilmiyyah, Vol. 1 – Principles, Authentication and Investigation of Narrations, Page 619

Question:​

What is the Kafārah (expiation) for backbiting?


It is narrated from Anas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:


Arabic Text:
"غیبت کا کفارہ یہ ہے کہ آپ نے جس شخص کی غیبت کی ہے اس کے لیے مغفرت کی دعا کریں۔ اے اللہ ہمیں اور اس کو معاف فرما"


(Al-Da‘awat al-Kabir by Al-Bayhaqi, referenced in Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 4877)

Answer:​

Alhamdulillah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.


This narration is mentioned by Imam Al-Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) in his famous book Al-Da‘awat al-Kabir:

• Source: Al-Da‘awat al-Kabir, Vol. 2, Page 294, Hadith No. 507
• Chain (Isnad): ‘Anbasa ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Qurashi → Thabit al-Banani → Anas ibn Malik (RA)

Analysis of the Chain​

✿ Al-Hafiz Al-Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) himself mentioned:


"فِی ھٰذَا الْإِسْنَادِ ضَعْفٌ"
(This chain is weak.)


✿ About ‘Anbasa ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman:

1. Taqrib al-Tahdhib (No. 5206): He is Matruk (unreliable).
2. Imam Abu Hatim (rahimahullah):
   
   He used to fabricate narrations. (Al-Jarh wa al-Ta‘dil, Vol. 6, Page 402)
   
   
3. Ibn al-Jawzi (rahimahullah):
   Listed this narration in Al-Mawdu‘at as either very weak or fabricated. (Vol. 3, Pages 118–119)

Summary​

✔ The narrator ‘Anbasa ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman is considered unreliable and accused of fabricating hadith.
✔ The narration is therefore classified as very weak (Da‘eef Jiddan) or fabricated (Mawdu‘) by the scholars of Hadith.
✔ It cannot be used as evidence for establishing the ruling of Kafārah of backbiting.


Conclusion:
This narration should not be quoted as proof for any ruling regarding the expiation of backbiting.


ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب