Shubha (Arabic)
Shubha is an Islamic term referring to the duty of leaders/judges to consider any doubt before implementing a verdict in a criminal case of any degree. Muhammad said not to implement serious punishment in cases of uncertainty, with the phrase: "ادرؤوا الحدود بالشبهات".
In Qur'an
A derived term with similar meaning is mentioned in the Qur'an at .
It is He Who has sent down to you the Book. In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah, and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allâh. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding.
In Hadith
Muhammad is reported to have commented on the above verse:«فَإِذَا رَأَيْتِ الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ؛ فَأُولئِكَ الَّذِينَ سَمَّى اللهُ، فَاحْذَرُوهُم»
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