What is the ruling on bearing false witness and slander that leads to the wrongful imprisonment of innocent people, and what must the perpetrator do to repent?
Bearing false witness is one of the major sins. The one who bore false witness must hasten to repent to Allah Almighty, regret what they did, resolve not to repeat it, and seek forgiveness from those they wronged. They must also recant their testimony before the authority that imprisoned them. If they do not repent during their lifetime, then their matter regarding Allah's rights is with Him. As for the rights of people, repentance for them requires seeking their forgiveness in this world. They are also subject to discretionary punishment by the ruler unless they repent. Repentance for this sin involves admitting the falsehood and resolving not to repeat it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 116997
- Added here
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy