Narrations Regarding the Manner of Beating in Hudud

Hazrat Abu Uthman narrates that a man was brought to Hazrat Umar regarding a punishment, and a whip was also brought. He said: I want one softer than this, so a whip was brought which was softer. He said: I want one harder than this, so a whip was brought which was between the two. He said: Then strike, but do not expose your armpit, and give each limb its due.

Hazrat Abu Majid narrates that Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood called the executioner and said: Flog, and raise your hand, and give each limb its due. The narrator says: Thus, he struck in the prescribed punishment in such a way that it was not causing pain.

Hazrat Muhajir bin Umairah narrates that a man was brought to Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) for being intoxicated or for some other hadd (prescribed punishment). He said: "Beat him, and give each limb its due, and avoid striking the face and the private parts."

Hazrat Ash'ath's father narrates that I was present with Hazrat Abu Barzah when he carried out the hadd punishment on one of his slave girls at the threshold of his house, while a group of his companions was with him. He said: Flog her in a moderate manner between the two extremes—neither by bringing the hand all the way from behind nor by striking too lightly.

Hazrat Imran narrates that Hazrat Abu Majliz said: The executioner's armpit should not become exposed.

Hazrat Asim narrates that I was present with Hazrat Sha'bi when he flogged a Christian who had accused a Muslim falsely. He said: "Beat him, and give each limb its due, and never let your armpit be exposed."

Hazrat Ibn Jurayj states that Hazrat Ata said: The punishment for false accusation and the punishment for drinking wine is that you strike with a whip, but do not raise your hand high.

Hazrat Mughira narrates that Ibrahim said: The adulterer will be struck with severe and intense blows, and the blows will be delivered on different parts of his body.

Hazrat Ibn Jurayj states that Hazrat Ata said: The punishment for adultery is more severe than the punishment for drinking alcohol, and the punishment for alcohol and false accusation is the same.

Ismail narrates that Hasan Basri said: The adulterer will be flogged more severely than the drunkard, and the drunkard will be flogged more severely than the one who falsely accuses.