Q 3: A slanderer accuses a Muslim of Zina (sexual intercourse outside marriage) and fails to bring four witnesses to it. Then the court proved the guilt by the natural evidence, reports from a chemist and a fingerprint specialist, in addition to the circumstantial evidence. Will the penalty for Qadhf (falsely accusing a chaste person of involvement in prohibited sexual relations) be administered to the slanderer? It seems that this issue is a free interpretation of the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) concerned.

A: It is not valid to prove the crime of Zina depending on reports from a chemist and a fingerprint specialist, or circumstantial evidence. This, in fact, implies collection and mixing of evidence, creates charges and doubts and cannot stand for evidence, which proves a crime commanding Hadd (ordained punishment for violating Allah’s Law) to be administered to the defendant. These methods also do not repel the Hadd of Qadhf from the person who accuses chaste men and women of Zina. Allah (Exalted be He) is more Aware of His slaves and more Merciful to them than themselves. However, He ordained the Had for Qadhf to be administered to the slanderer who accuses chaste Muslims of Zina and fails to bring four witnesses to it. Allah (Glorified be He) is the All-Knower and All-Wise in (Part No. 22; Page No. 31) His legislation. Had there been any other ways to repel the Hadd of Qadhf from the defendant, He (Glorified be He) would have mentioned it in the Qur'an or revealed it to His Messenger (peace be upon him). Never is Allah forgetful, and the person who has deep insight about the legislation of Allah and His Wisdom clearly knows that the Hadd of Qadhf eliminates spreading of immoralities, guards people's honor and blocks the means to enmity. Realizing the great danger of this matter, Allah (Glorified be He) does not accept less than four witnesses and He is the All-Knower and All-Wise.