What is the nature of repentance for an accuser (*Qadhif*) whose testimony was rejected?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Testimonies
Primary text
The testimony and narration of one who insults (*Shaym*) and slanders is rejected until he repents. If a witness to *Zina* fails to produce four witnesses, their narration is accepted while their testimony is rejected. The repentance of the accuser consists of declaring oneself a liar, saying, "I lied in what I said." This is explicitly stated by Ash-Shafi'i and chosen by Al-Istakhri among his companions, supported by a narration regarding the interpretation of the verse concerning repentance (Quran 24:5). This is because the honor of the accused was tainted by the slander, and denying the slander removes that taint.
Supporting text
A secondary scholarly opinion, held by some Ashab Ash-Shafi'i, suggests that if the slander was mere insult (*Shaym*), repentance is stating, "The slander is forbidden and false, and I will not return to what I said," as the person might be truthful in fact but still erroneous in judgment, meaning the declaration of falsehood relates to the ruling, not the factual content. If the accuser is certain of the truthfulness of what he said, his repentance is seeking forgiveness, admitting the falsehood of his statement, and resolving not to repeat it. If he is uncertain of his own truthfulness, repentance is declaring himself a liar in all aspects, as he might be truthful in the insult but lying in the testimony.