By: Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, Lc., MEI
Slander (fitnah) is a highly destructive act, both for individuals and society as a whole. In the context of national and state life, slander can destroy public trust, create social conflicts, and threaten national stability. Both Islam and universal moral values emphasize that slander is a major sin and an immoral act
- Definition of Slander
Etymologically, the word fitnah originates from the Arabic fatana, meaning to test, to mislead, or to cause chaos. In general terms, fitnah refers to spreading false information, false accusations, or misleading claims with the intent to tarnish someone’s or a group’s reputation.
In social and political contexts, slander can take the form of:
Disinformation (hoaxes) – the deliberate spread of fabricated news.
Propaganda – manipulating public opinion for certain interests.
Hate speech – promoting division and hostility among citizens.
- The Impact of Slander on National Life
Slander is not merely a moral issue but a real threat to a nation’s integrity. Its impacts include:
a. Destroying National Unity
Slander can create social polarization, divide society into opposing camps, and weaken the spirit of national unity. History has shown that many social and political conflicts in various countries have originated from unverified slanderous information.
b. Declining Trust in Government and State Institutions
When slander spreads widely in the public sphere, people struggle to distinguish between truth and falsehood. As a result, public trust in state institutions, officials, and the rule of law becomes fragile.
c. Disruption of Political and Economic Stability
Systematic slander—especially through social media—can trigger political crises, protests, and even mass violence. Such instability directly affects national security and the economy.
d. The Erosion of Morality and Social Ethics
A culture of accusation, gossip, and slander corrodes honesty and social responsibility—two fundamental pillars of a civilized nation.
- Religious and Legal Perspectives
In Islamic teachings, slander is considered a major sin. Allah SWT declares:
“Slander is more grievous than killing.” (Qur’an, Al-Baqarah: 191)
This verse emphasizes that the damage caused by slander can exceed that of physical harm, as it undermines personal honor and social order.
From a legal standpoint, slander constitutes a criminal offense of defamation and the spread of false information, regulated under:
Articles 310–311 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) – regarding defamation.
Article 28 (1) of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (Law No. 11 of 2008) – regarding the dissemination of false news in digital spaces.
- Prevention and Mitigation Efforts
To safeguard national life from the dangers of slander, several strategic measures are required:
- Moral education and digital literacy – Citizens must be equipped with the ability to critically evaluate information and instilled with honesty from an early age.
- Firm and fair law enforcement – Authorities must act decisively against perpetrators of slander, without bias.
- The role of media and community leaders – Mass media and public figures must serve as responsible conveyors of truth and promoters of peace.
- Strengthening religious and Pancasila values – Both serve as moral foundations for building an ethical and civilized nation.
- Conclusion
Slander is a latent threat to national and state life. It can erode trust, divide unity, and trigger social unrest. Therefore, every citizen must uphold moral awareness and social responsibility to reject, prevent, and combat slander in order to preserve the nation’s integrity and dignity.