فَإِنْ عُثِرَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنَّهُمَا ٱسْتَحَقَّآ إِثْمًا فَـَٔاخَرَانِ يَقُومَانِ مَقَامَهُمَا مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَحَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْأَوْلَيَـٰنِ فَيُقْسِمَانِ بِٱللَّهِ لَشَهَـٰدَتُنَآ أَحَقُّ مِن شَهَـٰدَتِهِمَا وَمَا ٱعْتَدَيْنَآ إِنَّآ إِذًا لَّمِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ 107
Translations
But if it is found that those two were guilty of sin [i.e., perjury], let two others stand in their place [who are] foremost [in claim] from those who have a lawful right. And let them swear by Allāh, "Our testimony is truer than their testimony, and we have not transgressed. Indeed, we would then be of the wrongdoers."
Transliteration
Fa-in 'uthira 'ala annahuma istahaqqa ithman fa-akharaan yaqumani maqamahuma min alladhina istahaqqa 'alayhim al-awlayani fa-yuqsimani billahi la-shahadatuna ahaqqu min shahadatihima wa-ma'taday-na inna idhan la-mina al-zalimin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the situation when two witnesses in a will dispute are found to be dishonest or have committed perjury. In such cases, two other witnesses from among the rightful heirs are to replace them and take an oath before Allah that their testimony is more truthful than the previous witnesses' and that they have not transgressed. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir explain this as a mechanism to establish justice and protect the rights of heirs when initial witnesses prove untrustworthy, emphasizing the gravity of false testimony and the necessity of oath-taking in such disputes.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the broader Medinan legislation on inheritance and wills (5:106-108), revealed to regulate disputes over testamentary matters among the Muslim community. The context addresses safeguards against fraudulent testimony in matters of significant financial and familial importance, reflecting the detailed legal framework established in Medina.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah, and the next greatest sin is to bear false witness.' (Sunan Ibn Majah) - emphasizing the severity of perjury that this ayah addresses. Also relevant: 'Avoid the seven destructive sins,' which includes false testimony (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches the Islamic legal system's emphasis on truthfulness and accountability, reminding believers that Allah watches over all testimony and that false witness is a grave sin with serious consequences both in this life and the Hereafter. Modern readers should recognize the importance of integrity in legal matters and the Islamic framework's provision for protecting vulnerable parties through witness replacement mechanisms.