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."
شَهَٰدَتِهِمَاtestimony of the other twoshahādatihimā
وَمَاand notwamā
ٱعۡتَدَيۡنَآwe have transgressediʿ'tadaynā
إِنَّآIndeed, weinnā
إِذٗاthenidhan
لَّمِنَ(will be) oflamina
ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَthe wrongdoersl-ẓālimīna
Tafsir
If, after the oath is taken, it is established that the witnesses lied in their testimony or in the oath, then let two others who are closest to the deceased take an oath on the truth in their place. These new witnesses should take an oath by Allah saying, ‘Our testimony about their lying and deceit is closer to the truth than their testimony about their honesty and trustworthiness. We have not taken a false oath. If we do so, we will be from the wrongdoers who overstep Allah’s limits’.