Retracting Words Contrary to the Shari‘a

Question

(1) A quarrel over something arose between Zayd and Bakr’s wife; the exchange of words escalated, and Zayd’s wife laid a charge against Bakr’s wife: according to Zayd and his wife, Bakr’s wife says, “I do not accept the Qur’an and hadith.” The woman says, “I said, ‘I do not accept such an oath; I need two witnesses.’ I did not say that I do not accept the Qur’an and hadith.

Answer

(1) In a matter where eyewitnesses are required, no ruling can be passed on such testimony, because that testimony is not acceptable. (2) The matter should not be prolonged: since Bakr’s wife, regarding these words as contrary to the Shari‘a, disclaims them, her statement should be accepted.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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