The Gravity of False Testimony in Islamic Law

The Prophet (ﷺ) classified Shahadah az-Zur (false testimony) among the Kabā'ir (major sins), as narrated in the authentic collections of al-Bukhari and Muslim. This categorization indicates its severe spiritual and legal consequences in both worldly affairs and the Hereafter.

Scholarly Commentary on the Prohibition

Classical scholars explain that false testimony corrupts the entire judicial system, undermines justice, and leads to the violation of people's rights. Imam al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, emphasizes that it combines multiple evils: deception, oppression, and the potential to cause wrongful punishments or financial losses.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, in Fath al-Bari, notes that the severity stems from its chain effect—one falsehood can lead to numerous injustices, affecting families and communities for generations. The sin is particularly grave because it involves invoking Allah's name while deliberately uttering falsehood.

Legal and Ethical Implications

In Islamic jurisprudence, a known perjurer is permanently disqualified from testifying in courts. Scholars like Ibn Qudamah in al-Mughni stress that repentance requires restoring rights to those wronged and publicly acknowledging one's past falsehoods.

The prohibition extends beyond formal courts to include any situation where one might deliberately misrepresent truth—in business transactions, personal disputes, or character references. This comprehensive understanding preserves the Islamic emphasis on 'Adl (justice) and Amanah (trustworthiness) in all human interactions.