What is the ruling for the statement, 'You committed adultery with so-and-so'?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Ḥudūd (Prescribed Penalties)

Book 51 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The statement 'You committed adultery with so-and-so' (Zanayta bi-fulanah) constitutes a single act of slander against both individuals involved (the accused man and the woman mentioned) through a single phrase. Similarly, the statement 'O one who married his mother' (Ya nakih ummihi) carries the same ruling.

Supporting text

Regarding this latter statement, there are three reported narrations (Riwayat) concerning its implication, though clarification on the specific differences in ruling is not detailed here.