I said to Ibn `Umar, "If a man accuses his wife of illegal sexual intercourse (what is the judgment)?"
He said, "Allah's Prophet separated the couple of Bani 'Ajlan (when the husband accused his wife for
an illegal sexual intercourse). The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Allah knows that one of you two IS a liar; so will one
of you repent?' But they refused. He then again said, 'Allah knows that one of you two is a liar; so will
one of you repent?' But they refused, whereupon he separated them by divorce." Aiyub (a subnarrator)
said: `Amr bin Dinar said to me, "In the narration there is something which I do not see you
mentioning, i.e. the husband said, "What about my money (Mahr)?' The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You are not
entitled to take back money, for if you told the truth you have already entered upon her (and
consummated your marriage with her) and if you are a liar then you are less entitled to take it back.
Narrated by Narrated Sa`id bin Jubair:
Context
This hadith narrates an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) dealt with a case of accusation between a husband and wife. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of repentance and honesty, ultimately deciding to separate the couple when neither party admitted to wrongdoing. This highlights the seriousness of accusations and the need for integrity in relationships.
Modern Application
In modern contexts, this hadith serves as a reminder to approach conflicts in relationships with honesty and a willingness to seek forgiveness. It encourages open communication and accountability between partners.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Marriage and Punishments (Hudud) because it addresses the consequences of false accusations in marital relationships.
And those who accuse their wives [of adultery] and have no witnesses except themselves - then the witness of one of them [shall be] four testimonies [swearing] by Allah that indeed, he is of the truthful.
O you who have believed, when the believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them. Allah is most knowing as to their faith. And if you know them to be believers, then do not return them to the disbelievers; they are not lawful [wives] for them, nor are they lawful [husbands] for them. But give the disbelievers what they have spent. And there is no blame upon you if you marry them when you have given them their due compensation. And hold not to marriage bonds with disbelieving women, but ask for what you have spent and let them ask for what they have spent. That is the judgement of Allah; He judges between you. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah. But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah - it is those who are the wrongdoers.
Said [the king to the women], "What was your condition when you sought to seduce Joseph?" They said, "Perfect is Allah! We know about him no evil." The wife of al-'Azeez said, "Now the truth has become evident. It was I who sought to seduce him, and indeed, he is of the truthful.
And [remember] when the Prophet confided to one of his wives a statement; and when she informed [another] of it and Allah showed it to him, he made known part of it and ignored a part. And when he informed her about it, she said, "Who told you this?" He said, "I was informed by the Knowing, the Acquainted."