Is the prescribed punishment (*Hadd*) due upon a man who confesses to fornication (*Zina*) if the woman denies it?

Primary text

The prescribed punishment (*Hadd*) is due upon the man who confesses to fornication even if the woman denies it. This is the opinion held by Al-Shafi'i. The evidence is the narration where a man confessed to the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he committed *Zina* with a specific woman. The Prophet sent for the woman, who denied the act. The Prophet administered the *Hadd* punishment to the man and left the woman alone. Furthermore, the invalidity of the charge against her does not negate his confession, similar to if she remained silent or if the questioning was not completed. The generality of the report necessitates the obligation of the *Hadd* upon him due to his confession, which aligns with the saying attributed to Umar: when there is pregnancy or confession.