The prescribed punishment for false accusation of adultery is severe for reasons such as: protecting society, safeguarding honors and putting an end to evil talk and indecency.

Punishment for false accusation

Allah has determined that the punishment for anyone who accuses a Muslim of adultery, without providing the necessary proof, is 80 lashes. Furthermore, the accuser is considered a fasiq, i.e. ‘transgressor’ and he is totally disqualified as a witness in any case whatsoever. The punishment applies to all accusers, men or women.

:Allah says



 If such a person repents of his deed, his testimony is accepted. To ensure that, his repentance includes that he acknowledges the falsehood of his accusation, regrets it and prays to Allah to grant him forgiveness.

:Allah says

‘Excepted are those who afterwards repent and make amends; for Allah is Much-Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.’ 

24: 5

Allah has prescribed this severe punishment for the false accusation of adultery for several reasons: 1) protecting society; 2) safeguarding people’s honour; 3) putting an end to evil talk; and 4) ensuring that indecency continues to be held as repugnant in Muslim society.[1]


  1.  Ibn Qudamah, Al-Mughni, vol. 8, p. 215.