The crime and punishment of qazf (Defamation of chastity) in Islamic criminal law

The thesis entitled "The Crime And Punishment Of Qazf (Defamation Of Chastity) In Islamic Criminal Law" addresses verbal attacks on individual rights such as honor and dignity, which are among the most cherished aspects of human identity. The thesis includes the elements of the crime, its penalties, and the concept of liân, while also exploring the traumatic impact and consequences of such attacks on individuals and societies. The introductory section elucidates the significance, purpose, methodology, scope, and evaluation of sources related to the subject matter. Besides the introduction, the study is structured into three main sections. In the first section, an examination is undertaken regarding the definition of crime and the concept of crime, brief explanations of terms corresponding to the concept of crime in the Quran, definitions of punishment, its objectives, classification of punishment, and their respective characteristics. The second section examines the crime of qazf that perturbs the moral integrity of individuals, and its punishments, which is contrary to the vehemently emphasized in Islamic jurisprudence to protect personal honor and dignity. Furthermore, this chapter delineates the legal consequences of the qazf crime, which is addressed in had crimes, by investigating its nature and the corresponding penalties. The third section probes the subject of liân as a criminal sanction resulting from the occurrence of qazf between spouses. This segment examines the act of mutual imprecation (mula'ana) undertaken by spouses to mutually vindicate their innocence or prove their allegations; therefore, the impact of mula'ana on marital relationships is expounded upon. In the context of these sections, the potential harm inflicted upon individuals and communities due to the crime of defamation of chastity is explored, and the protection of individuals and communities following the prevention of the crime is addressed. Key Words: Islamic Criminal Law, Crime Of Defamation (Qazf), False Accusation Of Chastity, Li'an.