What Are the Islamic Sanctions for Giving False Testimony in Court?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
What are the Islamic criminal and divine sanctions for giving false testimony in court that leads to usurping someone’s rights or causing harm if discovered later?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Giving false testimony (shahadat al-zur) is a grave sin with severe consequences in this world and the hereafter. Allah says, “And do not conceal testimony, for whoever conceals it—his heart is indeed sinful.” [Quran, 2:283].
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) emphasized the seriousness of false testimony, saying: “Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the major sins? Associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, and false testimony.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
Criminal Sanctions
In an Islamic court, if false testimony results in harm or the unlawful usurpation of another’s rights, the one who gave the false testimony may be held liable. They must rectify the harm, return any usurped property or rights, and may face punitive measures, such as fines or other legal consequences, to serve justice.
Divine Sanctions
Beyond legal repercussions, the individual is accountable before Allah. False testimony is considered a major sin, and the individual faces severe punishment in the hereafter unless they sincerely repent and seek to rectify the wrong.
False testimony undermines justice, violates the rights of others, and is a betrayal of the trust placed in witnesses. Muslims must uphold truth and justice, as these are foundational principles in Islam.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
