When is a man considered an adulterer or a betrayer in a marital relationship?

Protecting the honor and reputation of Muslims is one of the objectives of Islam. Therefore, the Sharia has definitively prohibited the spreading of indecency and false accusation (qadhf), making it a major sin that entails eighty lashes, wickedness, disqualification from bearing witness, and severe torment for the accuser, unless they produce undeniable evidence such as a confession, visible pregnancy, or the testimony of four witnesses.

It is not permissible to accuse someone of adultery, even indirectly, unless they openly commit adultery. Anyone who accuses a Muslim of adultery is to be given eighty lashes.

An exception to this is made for a husband who accuses his wife of adultery and has no witnesses; in this case, the punishment for false accusation is averted through mula'anah, as stated in Surat An-Nur.

Accusation of marital infidelity falls under qadhf if common custom dictates that it implies adultery by one of the parties.