Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him), Hazrat Ata (may Allah have mercy on him), Hasan (may Allah have mercy on him), and Hazrat Dahhak (may Allah have mercy on him), all these personalities state that the Imam has been given authority regarding the warrior.

Hazrat Asim (may Allah have mercy on him) says that Hasan (may Allah have mercy on him) recited this verse: "The only recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger ﷺ..." And he said: This authority belongs to the Imam.

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz says that the ruler is responsible for executing the person who causes corruption in religion. No one except the ruler has this authority. When the prescribed punishments reach the Imam, there is no way for them to be pardoned, and enforcing them is Sunnah.

Hazrat Qatadah (may Allah have mercy on him) says that Hazrat Saeed bin Al-Musayyib (may Allah have mercy on him) said regarding the Muharib: when he is brought before the Imam, the Imam has the authority to deal with him as he wishes.