chaste women of unchastity is among the sins that incur punishment.” He then recited:

“Indeed, those who accuse chaste women,” and the rest of the verse.

‘Umar ibn Qays said: “Accusing a chaste woman of unchastity nullifies ninety years of deeds.” Al-Ashajj transmitted both reports.

This is the view held by many. Its basis is the apparent meaning of the wording: it is general and must therefore be applied generally, since there is no reason to restrict it. There is agreement that it is not confined to the particular occasion of its revelation, because the ruling concerning the Prophet’s wives other than ‘Ā’ishah falls within its general scope, although they were not involved in that occasion. Moreover, the wording is plural, whereas the occasion here concerned a single woman.

Furthermore, restricting the Quran’s general statements to the occasions of their revelation is invalid. Most verses were revealed in response to circumstances that called for them, yet it is known that none has been confined to its particular occasion.

The distinction between the two verses is that, at the beginning of the surah, Allah mentioned the prescribed sanctions to be implemented by legally accountable people: flogging, rejection of testimony, and declaring the offender to be an evildoer. Here, however, He mentioned the punishment inflicted by Allah, glorified is He: being cursed in both this world and the Hereafter, and a tremendous punishment.

It has been reported through several chains from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and from his Companions that:

“Accusing chaste women of unchastity is one of the major sins.”

One wording in the Sahīh reads:

“Accusing chaste, unsuspecting believing women of unchastity.”

Those holding this view then differed. Abū Hamzah al-Thumālī said: “We have been informed that it was revealed concerning the polytheists of Mecca, when a treaty existed between them and Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Whenever a woman left to join Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in Medina