When is the repentance of someone who has committed sodomy accepted, and when is the Hadd penalty to be carried out on him? Should he be concealed, advised, or killed if one comes to know of someone who has committed sodomy? And is his repentance accepted if he repents?

It is impermissible to accuse anyone of sodomy without confession or clear evidence; otherwise, such an accusation would constitute slander (qadhf) and a major sin. The repentance of one who commits sodomy is accepted, like that of other perpetrators of major sins, as long as they have not reached the rattling of death, and the door of repentance does not close until the sun rises from the west. The prescribed punishment (had) is carried out against him if his act is proven either by his confession to the ruler or by the testimony of four upright witnesses. At that point, it becomes obligatory for the guardian of authority (wali al-amr) to implement the prescribed punishment, and it is not permissible to waive it. It is preferable to conceal and advise one whose repentance is hoped for before the matter reaches the Imam for the implementation of the punishment. As for one who openly commits it, raising his case to the Imam is more appropriate. It is not permissible to kill him, as the implementation of the prescribed punishment is the responsibility of the Imam. What is prescribed is to advise him, invite him to repentance, and explain the danger of his act.