A False Accusation against the Imam

Question

Summary of the question: the imam of our mosque is a God-fearing scholar (‘alim). A ruffian snatched a watch from him. When the matter escalated, he made the accusation: “He committed an indecent act with me, so I snatched the watch.” But the imam stated on oath that this is an utter lie and that he is innocent of this accusation, and people realised that this man keeps robbing people by making up various pretexts.

Answer

To prove so grave a crime, this shameless man made this statement, and this is by no means sufficient. Wet clothing is not a Shar‘i proof. Moreover, when there is a statement on oath refuting this shameful, baseless claim, there is no reason to lay this filthy accusation upon him. 2.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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