Messenger of Allah, if I were to find with my wife a man, should I wait until I bring four witnesses? He said: Yes.
The Book of Invoking Curses - Sahih Muslim 1498 b
Messenger of Allah, if I were to find with my wife a man, should I wait until I bring four witnesses? He said: Yes.
Commentary on the Hadith
This hadith establishes the stringent evidentiary requirement for proving adultery (zina) in Islamic law. The Prophet's emphatic "Yes" confirms that four upright Muslim witnesses must actually witness the physical act of penetration to establish this grave accusation.
This ruling serves as a divine protection against false accusations and preserves family honor. It demonstrates Islam's balanced approach - while prohibiting adultery absolutely, it also protects people from slanderous claims. The requirement for four witnesses makes false accusations nearly impossible to prove legally.
When such evidence is unavailable, the procedure of li'an (mutual imprecation) becomes relevant, where husband and wife swear oaths before Allah regarding the accusation. This alternative procedure protects both parties while acknowledging the seriousness of the matter.
Legal Implications
This ruling prevents hasty judgments and mob justice, requiring proper judicial process. It emphasizes that mere suspicion or circumstantial evidence cannot establish this capital offense.
The wisdom behind this strict requirement preserves social harmony and protects individuals from false allegations that could destroy reputations and families. It reflects Islam's comprehensive approach to justice, where both the prohibition of major sins and the protection of innocent people are equally important.