Is the insult "O you profligate" considered a false accusation (qadhf) that necessitates the legal punishment (hadd) for false accusation?
The slander (qadhf) that necessitates a prescribed punishment (hadd) is the accusation of adultery (zina) or sodomy (liwāṭ). This requires the slanderer to be flogged eighty lashes if they do not produce four witnesses, based on the Almighty's saying: (And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes) [Quran 24:4].
The wordings of slander are of two types: explicit and allusive. Explicit wording: This is what is understood only as an accusation of adultery or sodomy, such as "O adulterer/adulteress." The slanderer's claim that he intended another meaning is not accepted. Allusive wording: This is what can imply slander or something else, such as "O wicked one." The slanderer is asked about their intention; if they intended slander, then it is slander, otherwise, there is no prescribed punishment for them, but they will be given a discretionary punishment (ta'zīr).
Regarding the meanings of words, reference is made to common usage (عرف), which varies with different countries and times. So, the one who says "O immoral one" is asked about their intention; if they intended an accusation of adultery, then it is slander, otherwise, there is no prescribed punishment, and they will be given a discretionary punishment.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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