Backbiting and slandering whilst fasting
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Question: Does backbiting and slandering during the day in Ramadhaan break the fast?

Response: Backbiting and slandering does not break the fast. However, it reduces the effect of the fast. Allaah (subhaanahu wa-ta'aala) says: {O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-Muttaqoon (the pious)} [Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 183]. Also, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: ((One who does not abandon evil talk and actions and ignorance then Allaah is not in need of him abandoning food and water (whilst fasting) )).

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 518, Fatwa No. 482;
al-Fataawa lbni-'Uthaymeen - Kitaab ad-Da'waah, Volume 1, Page 166-167