Is the hadd carried out merely upon the spread of the news?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
If the news spreads regarding a specific act of what is wrong, is the hadd carried out against him?
Answer:
No, there must be proof, two just witnesses in all hadd punishments, except for zina, where four witnesses are required.
Q: I mean, with the proof and the witnesses, is it permissible for them to overlook it, or are they obligated to...?
The Shaykh: It is obligatory to carry out the hadd; if it is established, it must be carried out.
Q: Even if it does not reach the judge?
The Shaykh: It is to be brought to the judge.
Q: Even if it is not brought?
The Shaykh: If it is not brought, he owes nothing. But this is if it is brought. If they cover it up and he repents to Allah between him and Allah, it is not obligatory.
If the news spreads regarding a specific act of what is wrong, is the hadd carried out against him?
Answer:
No, there must be proof, two just witnesses in all hadd punishments, except for zina, where four witnesses are required.
Q: I mean, with the proof and the witnesses, is it permissible for them to overlook it, or are they obligated to...?
The Shaykh: It is obligatory to carry out the hadd; if it is established, it must be carried out.
Q: Even if it does not reach the judge?
The Shaykh: It is to be brought to the judge.
Q: Even if it is not brought?
The Shaykh: If it is not brought, he owes nothing. But this is if it is brought. If they cover it up and he repents to Allah between him and Allah, it is not obligatory.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.