Is the statement 'Zana'tu' (زنأت), when pronounced with hamza, considered an accusation of fornication (Qadhf)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Ḥudūd (Prescribed Penalties)
Primary text
The statement 'Zana'tu' (زنأت), when pronounced with a hamza, is considered an accusation of fornication (Qadhf). This ruling is held by Abu Bakr and Abu al-Khattab because the general populace understands this phrase exclusively to mean fornication, making it equivalent to stating 'Zanaytu' (زنيت - you committed fornication).
Supporting text
Ibn Hamid states that if the speaker is a commoner, it is Qadhf because that is their sole intention. However, if the speaker is proficient in Arabic (Ahl al-Arabiyyah), it is not Qadhf because its linguistic meaning is 'I ascended/climbed' (طلعت), suggesting that is the intended meaning.