Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi رحمه الله
The obligation of ḥadd (legal punishment) for qadhf (false accusation) applies equally to both men and women. This is because the Qur'anic command is general in its wording and application.
Just as a wife is held accountable for making false accusations, the husband is also not exempt from this ruling unless:
Liʿān is a formal judicial procedure in Islamic law where a husband and wife exchange oaths and curses to resolve accusations of adultery when no witnesses are available.
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 18911]
❖ Ruling on a Wife Accusing Her Husband Without Proof
The obligation of ḥadd (legal punishment) for qadhf (false accusation) applies equally to both men and women. This is because the Qur'anic command is general in its wording and application.
- Therefore, if a wife accuses her husband falsely,
- She becomes liable for the ḥadd of qadhf unless:
- She seeks his forgiveness, and he forgives her,
- Or the matter is taken to court and resolved through liʿān (mutual cursing in cases of accusation of adultery between spouses).
✔ Equal Accountability for Both Spouses
Just as a wife is held accountable for making false accusations, the husband is also not exempt from this ruling unless:
- He repents and seeks forgiveness,
- Or they go through the process of liʿān.
Liʿān is a formal judicial procedure in Islamic law where a husband and wife exchange oaths and curses to resolve accusations of adultery when no witnesses are available.
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 18911]
