What is the wisdom behind the verses of slander (qadhf) using the feminine form, "Those who accuse chaste women (al-ladheena yarmuna al-muhsanat)"? And what is the evidence that the prescribed punishment (hadd) for a man who slanders is the same as that for a woman who slanders?

Scholars have unanimously agreed that the ruling on slandering men is included in the ruling of the verse on slandering chaste women. Several explanations have been given for why the verse mentions women specifically, without men:

- Because slandering them (women) is more frequent and more heinous, and men are included by implication.

- The intent behind "chaste women" (al-muhsanat) in the verse is chaste souls, which includes both men and women.

- The specification of women is due to the particular incident that was the cause for the verse's revelation, while the ruling is based on the comprehensive rationale that prevents limiting it to women without men.