What is the ruling on someone who accuses another person of having bought his academic degree with money, and is his statement considered defamation (qadhf) or slander (iftira'), and is the aggrieved party entitled to claim compensation or resort to the Shar'i judiciary?

Accusing a believer without proof constitutes a grave sin, as it involves slandering one's honor and calumny. Allah Almighty says: "And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly borne slander and manifest sin." One who commits such an act must fear Allah. It is permissible to refer him to the judiciary for discipline, without compelling him to pay compensation for moral damages, as compensation in Islamic jurisprudence is only for financial damage. This act does not fall under the technical definition of qadhf (false accusation of unchastity). We advise reconciliation and forgiveness, based on the words of Allah Almighty: "So whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is due from Allah."