Four Witnesses For Charges Of Adultery

Darse Quran by Maulana Rizwan Pasha Quadri at Masjide Shujath, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, January 2012

Surah Nisa, Rukoo 3, verse 15 mandates that those who raise allegations of adultery should produce four witnesses. If they fail to do so they will be flogged 80 lashes. Usually two witnesses is the rule in Islamic law. But four witnesses are stipulated in cases of adultery. One can level such charges if reliable witnesses can back it up. Else women should be spared from frivolous and unfounded accusations.
Rule given in this verse was applied during initial stage of Islam. Punishment is to detain the offender in house until death or until God shows them a way out. Next verse makes it clear that punishment is for both. But they should be let alone if they repent. Law given in Surah Noor in this matter has superseding effect. Offender will be pelted with stones if he or she is married. Punishment is 100 lashes for unmarried. One life may get killed. But this will protect honor of other women. Penalty is impartial and common for both the genders.
In India, only way out in case of adultery is Tauba (repentance). Sinner should not discuss it with others.
A Sahaba (companion) came to Prophet and confessed that he had committed adultery. Prophet ignored him thrice by turning his face away. But he persisted and finally Prophet said, “You should have repented and sought forgiveness from Allah when you had wronged. You have made His Prophet a witness. Now you will be punished”. In another incident, a woman came to Prophet and confessed her sin. Punishment was meted out to her. Sahabas were talking ill of her. Prophet told that had the forgiveness received by that woman were divided among people of Madinah, all the sins of all of them would have been forgiven. Further, that woman is far ahead of you because she has reached heaven.
Moomins will repent throughout their lives when they commit a sin. Verse 17 assures that Allah will forgive. Allah has made it incumbent on Himself to forgive. He is not bound by any rule. But this is His mercy. God will certainly forgive those who regret and repent. God does not care about what others think or what is the opinion of the human society. Whatever be their stand, God will forgive remorseful sinners.
“Innallaha yuhibbu tawwaabeen” – God does not stop at forgiving them. He further showers His love on them. Surah 25, Furqaan, verse 70 declares that He will change their sins into good deeds. Servants of God should not lose hope. Islam does not preach despair. This religion is about God’s grace. Allah calls all sinners to His Kingdom. His mercy knows no limits.
Do not talk with women in private. Don’t you see any man? What is the compelling reason to talk with women? Some relations start with conversations and then take shocking turns.
I saw a marriage invitation card. Groom was a Muslim and bride was a Hindu. Muslims were given a separate time for feast and Hindus were invited at a different auspicious time. Shaitan will stray a person far away and ruin him when he takes his sins lightly.
Verse 18 categorically announces that forgiveness is not for them who continue to do evil deeds until death comes. We won’t know when we will die. Death can be sudden. Repentance will not be accepted after seeing angels. A painful punishment is ready for them. When they cry for another chance, Allah will reply that they had already been given a whole life.
Auliyas (seers) give an example. A young lad runs away from his house. He returns after a while. A person returning with repentance to God is a more joyous occasion.
We can either live in the love of God or live a life that is antagonistic to His will. Surah 67, Mulk, verse 2 – Life and death is to test who are good in conduct.
Tauba is a recurring theme in Quran. This is because men frequently slip into sins. Tauba is to turn back and return to God and get relieved from evil deeds.
It was a custom in those days among Arabs to inherit wives of father while dividing his property. Moomin should not forcefully take any woman. Another prevalent vice was that when they don’t like their wives, they would not divorce them. Instead they would torture them. Verse 19, “Do not detain them”. Divorce them honorably. “Be fair and just to your wives”. A good person is one who is good to his wife. She sacrifices her home and all her relations and enters a new house. They should not be forced to do domestic chores. If they do it willingly, it is their kindness.
It is normal to have squabbles with dear ones. We won’t fight with someone whom we see rarely. But small differences should not go till divorce.
People are addicted to television. They have got a fictitious impression about husbands and wives. Actors do not have any work other than grooming and showcasing their bodies. But families cannot be run merely on looks and appearances. There can be minor deficiencies. But it is best if they are God-fearing. See their hearts.
Allah carefully arranges partners. He settles good partners for good ones and bad partners for bad ones. “Athayibathu li thayibeena va thayibuna li thayibath al kabeeshathu lil kabisheena wal kabisheena lil kabishath”. A vile person won’t get a noble life-partner.
It is Hindu custom to ask the bride to walk and show while fixing alliance. This is in complete contravention to Islamic principles. The family members of the groom will casually say while leaving that they will give their answer in five days. Anyone can imagine the torturous pain that befalls bride’s house.
Prophet advised to see bride before marriage. Prophet explained that this would increase love. It is not wrong to see the bride. Verse 19 adds that you may dislike something, but that may be good for you.
You cannot take back anything even if you had given loads of treasure. Newly wed husbands impetuously give home, facilities, and jewels to wives. Nothing can be taken back once given. Verse 20 warns not to take anything back forcefully or in a wrong way. You have been intimate with your wife in private and she gifted herself to you. The wealth, jewel and properties are insignificant before her sacrifice. Do not force her to give anything back when you run into a rough patch.