their testimony, as did the Muslims. The third man, Abū Bakrah, despite being among the best of them, did not repent. Since he did not repent, the Muslims did not accept his testimony, although he was one of the righteous Muslims. ‘Umar had told him, “Repent, and I will accept your testimony.”

But since the Quran has made clear that accusers who fail to produce four witnesses must never have their testimony accepted, and then says:

“And it is they who are defiantly disobedient,”

“except for those who repent,”

it is evident that His words, “And it is they who are defiantly disobedient,” describe them in condemnatory terms beyond the rejection of their testimony already mentioned.

As for the meaning of the “uprightness” required of these witnesses, it is uprightness in religion and propriety of conduct. Uprightness consists in fulfilling obligations, avoiding major sins, and not persisting in minor sins. “Propriety of conduct” consists in observing what lends a person dignity and grace, and avoiding what sullies and disgraces him. A person possessing these qualities is an upright witness and one of the righteous and virtuous.

However, nothing in the Book of Allah or the Sunnah of His Messenger indicates that, in every place and time, no one may be called to witness a will or the revocation of a divorce unless he possesses these qualities. Rather, this describes a believer who has perfected his faith by fulfilling his obligations, even if he has not fulfilled all recommended acts. Such a person is one of Allah’s pious allies.

Moreover, those who hold this view may understand obligations to mean the five daily prayers and similar duties. Yet a person may owe duties to Allah and His servants that none can enumerate