QAẔF (قذف)
Definition
QAẔF (قذف): Refers to the accusation of adultery (zina) against a virtuous man or woman without providing the required evidence. In Islamic jurisprudence, this term encompasses the grave act of slander in the context of chaste individuals. The prescribed punishment for QAẔF is eighty lashes for a free person, or forty lashes if the accused is a slave.
Etymology
The term QAẔF originates from the Arabic root قذَفَ (qaḏafa), which means “to throw” or “to cast.” The usage metaphorically extends to “throwing” or “casting” accusations without rightful justification, particularly relating to charges of adultery.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: قذف (qaẕf)
- Turkish: İftira (used contextually to denote slander in general, not exclusively for adultery accusations)
Qur’anic Injunction and Historical Context
The mandate against QAẔF derives from the Qur’an, specifically in Sūrat al-Nūr (Chapter of the Light), verse 24:4, which states:
<p>“And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses – lash them eighty times and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient.”</p>
This verse was reportedly revealed following an incident involving the Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Aisha, who was falsely accused of being involved in an illicit relationship with Ṣafwān Ibn al-Muʿaṭṭil. This revelation aimed to protect individuals from malicious slander and to uphold the integrity and honor of believers.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The offense of QAẔF is taken very seriously within Islamic legal frameworks due to its potential to harm the reputation and dignity of individuals unjustly. Producing false charges of adultery without the stringent requirement of four adult male witnesses is considered a severe breach of Islamic ethics and justice. The punishment serves as a deterrent against such false accusations and to maintain societal harmony and trust.
Classical References
The Hidāyah, an authoritative Hanafi legal text, outlines the penalties for QAẔF, emphasizing its admonition and the required evidentiary standards. The text states:
<p>“To those who accuse married persons of adultery and produce not four witnesses, them shall ye scourge with four-score stripes” (Hidāyah, vol. ii. p. 58).</p>
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islamic Law: Theory and Practice” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “The Search for Beauty in Islam: A Conference of the Books” by Khaled Abou El Fadl
- “Women and Gender in Islam” by Leila Ahmed
- “No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan
Takeaways
- QAẔF involves falsely accusing someone of adultery without proper evidence.
- The punishment for QAẔF under Islamic law is severe due to the potential harm to an individual’s reputation and societal trust.
- The concept underscored the importance of justice, evidence, and protecting moral integrity within an Islamic framework.
Conclusion
The concept of QAẔF is a critical component of Islamic jurisprudence aimed at safeguarding individuals against unjust slander and maintaining societal integrity. Understanding its basis in the Qur’an, historical context, and legal implications emphasizes the importance of justice and ethical behavior in Islam.
