Is calling a woman 'Oh adulterous person' (Ya shakhsan zaniyyan) or a man 'Oh adulterous soul' (Ya nismah zaniyah) defamation?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Ḥudūd (Prescribed Penalties)

Book 51 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a person calls a woman 'Oh adulterous person' (Ya shakhsan zaniyyan) or a man 'Oh adulterous soul' (Ya nismah zaniyah), the speaker is considered to have committed defamation (Qadhf). This is because the use of the term related to adultery directed at the individual fulfills the requirement for defamation.