Ibn Majah

Benefits and Issues:

➊ Stoning to death is the most severe form of capital punishment; therefore, this punishment cannot be administered unless the crime is established without any doubt or suspicion.

➋ For the crime to be proven, it is necessary to have four eyewitness male witnesses, or the criminal must confess himself, or there must be other evidence from the Qur’an () establishing it; only then can the punishment for adultery (zina) be given.

➌ Individuals of suspicious character may be admonished or given an appropriate discretionary punishment (ta’zir).

Hadith Footnote:
However, there was no proof according to the legal principle, meaning that there were not four eyewitnesses.

Hadith Commentary:
➊
In one hadith it is stated:
“Be eager for that which brings you true benefit, seek help from Allah, and do not sit in despair.
If any harm befalls you, do not say:
‘If I had done such-and-such, then such-and-such would have happened,’ but rather say: ‘It was Allah’s decree, and He does whatever He wills.’
Indeed, the words ‘if only’ open the door to the actions of Shaytan.”
(Sahih Muslim, Al-Qadr, Hadith: 6774(2664))

➋
In this hadith, the use of the word “if” (law) is prohibited, whereas Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has established its permissibility, as in the presented hadith the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam himself used it. Therefore, when it is used as a means of seeking escape from Allah’s decree, it is prohibited, but if there is some benefit, then it may be used. For example:
It may be used to express regret over missing obedience to Allah.
And Allah knows best.

Hadith Commentary:
Here, in the narration, the illustrious name of Abdullah ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhuma appears, who is among the most renowned Companions (Sahabi).
His mother’s name was Lubabah bint al-Harith.
He was born three years before the Hijrah.
At the time of the Prophet’s sallallahu alayhi wa sallam passing, he was fifteen years old.
The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam supplicated for him to be granted knowledge and wisdom, as a result of which he became recognized as a divinely inspired scholar (rabbani alim) of his era.
He was the most handsome in the Ummah, the most eloquent, and the greatest scholar of hadith. Umar al-Faruq radi Allahu anhu would seat him in his company in the presence of the most eminent Companions, consult him, and give preference to his opinion.
In the latter part of his life, he became blind.
He had a fair complexion, was tall, had a handsome physique, was dignified, and used to dye his beard with henna.
He passed away at the age of seventy-one, during the caliphate of Ibn al-Zubayr, in 68 AH.
(radi Allahu anhu)

Benefit:
From this hadith, the importance of white-colored clothing is established. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) loved white-colored clothing. The shroud (kafan) should also be of white cloth. Furthermore, from this hadith, the virtue of ithmid kohl is also established; if available, this very kohl should be used.