What is the Sharīʿah's view on a man who encouraged a woman to seek divorce (khulʿ) from her husband, then married her and claimed that the child she bore from her first husband is his son?

The man's actions in inciting the woman to flee her husband and seek khul' (divorce initiated by the wife) are forbidden and a grave sin, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "He is not of us who incites a woman against her husband." And the woman's action of seeking khul' from her husband without a compelling reason is a grave sin, based on his (peace be upon him) saying: "Any woman who asks her husband for divorce without a sound reason, the fragrance of Paradise will be forbidden to her."

Some scholars have held that whoever corrupts a woman against her husband is not permitted to marry her; rather, she is permanently forbidden to him. However, the majority of scholars believe that the marriage is valid, though those involved commit a sin.

It is not permissible for this man, or anyone else, to attribute another's child to himself. This is a lie, a falsehood, an encroachment upon the rights of others, and a corruption of lineages, as Allah Almighty says: ﴿Call them by their fathers' names; it is more just in the sight of Allah.﴾

Both the man and the woman must repent to Allah for these transgressions and beware of Allah's wrath and punishment, for Allah grants respite to the oppressor but does not neglect him, as He Almighty says: ﴿And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].﴾