Is it obligatory for a woman to defend herself against an aggressor intending illicit sexual relations (Fahisha)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Beverages (Intoxicants)

Book 53 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is obligatory for a woman to defend her own person if she is able to do so, because consenting to the act by withholding defense constitutes tacit permission, and remaining passive is forbidden. If a woman kills a man who intends to violate her person to defend herself, she bears no liability. This is evidenced by the report involving a woman of Hadhil who killed a guest seeking her person with a stone, upon which Umar declared that no blood money would ever be due. This is considered a stronger case for defense than protecting property because preserving chastity is absolutely required, unlike property which may sometimes be surrendered.