Tahrif (alteration) changes existing wording or shifts the sense away from its intended meaning. It may involve the wording itself or its interpretation.
Kitman (concealment) withholds a relevant command or testimony; the words may remain unchanged but are hidden when they matter. Iftira’ (fabrication) presents an unsupported assertion as divinely authorized.
For example, changing the wording of a rule, giving it a forced interpretation, deliberately not disclosing it, and inventing a rule in God’s name are four analytically distinct acts. Recognizing these distinctions prevents the later cases from becoming an undifferentiated accusation.