What is the ruling regarding a man saying to his wife, "O adulteress!" intending it as an insult and not an accusation of adultery, while under the influence of anger? And what is your guidance concerning a wife who wishes to travel to Western countries with young children, while the husband refuses due to fear for them, and the wife threatens divorce if she cannot travel?
A husband's statement to his wife, "O adulteress," is considered an accusation (qadhf) that necessitates the punishment of eighty lashes, as stated in the verse from Surah An-Nur: "And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and never accept their testimony thereafter. And those are the defiantly disobedient." He also deserves to be expelled from the mercy of Allah and to receive a great torment, according to the Almighty's saying: "Indeed, those who accuse chaste women, unaware [of the evil] and believing - are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and for them is a great punishment." The intention of insult is not taken into consideration, as this wording is explicit in accusation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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