What is the ruling on one who accuses another of zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) through modern means such as newspapers, along with the evidence?
Slandering a Muslim and accusing them of adultery is a major sin. In the two authentic collections (Sahihayn), the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Avoid the seven destructive sins..." and among them he mentioned: "and slandering chaste, believing, unsuspecting women." The slanderer deserves the prescribed punishment for slander, which is eighty lashes. Allah Almighty says: (And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept any testimony from them ever, for they are the defiantly disobedient) [Quran 24:4]. Accusing someone of adultery through media outlets is even more prohibited and warrants additional disciplinary punishment (ta'zir).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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