Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi رحمه الله
Qadhf refers to the act of falsely accusing a chaste Muslim—male or female—of adultery or fornication without providing valid evidence.
A Muslim who accuses his brother or sister in Islam without proof:
① Must repent sincerely to Allah ﷻ for this grave sin,
② Must seek forgiveness from the person he has slandered,
③ If the victim does not forgive, they have the Sharʿī right to demand their legal due.
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 13871]
❖ Definition and Ruling of Qadhf
Qadhf refers to the act of falsely accusing a chaste Muslim—male or female—of adultery or fornication without providing valid evidence.
- It is strictly prohibited (ḥarām) in Islam,
- And is counted among the major sins (kabāʾir).
✔ Obligations Upon the Accuser
A Muslim who accuses his brother or sister in Islam without proof:
① Must repent sincerely to Allah ﷻ for this grave sin,
② Must seek forgiveness from the person he has slandered,
③ If the victim does not forgive, they have the Sharʿī right to demand their legal due.
Legal Right of the Slandered Person
- The one who has been falsely accused has the right to seek punishment or compensation through an Islamic court.
- If proven guilty of qadhf, the accuser becomes subject to the legal ḥadd punishment mentioned in the Qur'an (though this specific ḥadd is not detailed in the provided text).
⚠ Moral and Social Consequences
- Qadhf leads to the destruction of honor and dignity,
- Creates division and hostility in society,
- And invites the wrath of Allah unless one repents and seeks reconciliation.
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 13871]
