⪼ Executing Ḥadd on a Zānī Who Confesses After Sin ⪻
❖ Reference:
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1695
Narrated by Sulaymān ibn Buraydah, from his father Buraidah (رضي الله عنه)
Māʿiz ibn Mālik came to the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly requesting purification through ḥadd (stoning) for committing zinā. The Prophet ﷺ initially urged him to seek Allah's forgiveness and return. After repeated insistence and confirmation—ensuring that Māʿiz was not mentally disturbed, nor intoxicated—the Prophet ﷺ ordered his execution by rajm. The companions divided in their views about him—some judged him harshly, while others praised his sincere repentance. The Prophet ﷺ later said:
“He has repented such a repentance that if distributed among the entire Ummah, it would suffice them.”
A woman from the Banū Āzd tribe also came, confessed to zinā while pregnant, and asked for purification. The Prophet ﷺ deferred the ḥadd until she gave birth and further until the child could be weaned. A man offered to foster the child, after which the rajm was executed.
➊ Rajm (stoning) and Lashes Purify the Zānī:
A person guilty of zinā is spiritually defiled, and the ḥadd punishment serves as cleansing and expiation.
➋ True Guilt Yields Restlessness Until Punishment:
The sincere remorse of Māʿiz shows the inner torment of guilt, such that even harsh punishment is sought for spiritual relief.
➌ Sincere Tawbah Wipes Major Sins:
This event proves that true repentance—especially accompanied by self-accountability—is a potent cure for grave sins.
➍ Actions Done in Intoxication Are Not Considered:
The Prophet ﷺ confirmed Māʿiz was not intoxicated, indicating that ḥadd is not implemented based on confessions made under influence.
➎ Public Opinion on the Punished Varies:
Some judge harshly, others recognize the penitence. The Prophet ﷺ affirms that ḥadd is a means of atonement and entry into Allah’s mercy.
❖ Reference:
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1695
Narrated by Sulaymān ibn Buraydah, from his father Buraidah (رضي الله عنه)
Hadith Summary
Māʿiz ibn Mālik came to the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly requesting purification through ḥadd (stoning) for committing zinā. The Prophet ﷺ initially urged him to seek Allah's forgiveness and return. After repeated insistence and confirmation—ensuring that Māʿiz was not mentally disturbed, nor intoxicated—the Prophet ﷺ ordered his execution by rajm. The companions divided in their views about him—some judged him harshly, while others praised his sincere repentance. The Prophet ﷺ later said:“He has repented such a repentance that if distributed among the entire Ummah, it would suffice them.”
A woman from the Banū Āzd tribe also came, confessed to zinā while pregnant, and asked for purification. The Prophet ﷺ deferred the ḥadd until she gave birth and further until the child could be weaned. A man offered to foster the child, after which the rajm was executed.
Key Rulings and Reflections
➊ Rajm (stoning) and Lashes Purify the Zānī:A person guilty of zinā is spiritually defiled, and the ḥadd punishment serves as cleansing and expiation.
➋ True Guilt Yields Restlessness Until Punishment:
The sincere remorse of Māʿiz shows the inner torment of guilt, such that even harsh punishment is sought for spiritual relief.
➌ Sincere Tawbah Wipes Major Sins:
This event proves that true repentance—especially accompanied by self-accountability—is a potent cure for grave sins.
➍ Actions Done in Intoxication Are Not Considered:
The Prophet ﷺ confirmed Māʿiz was not intoxicated, indicating that ḥadd is not implemented based on confessions made under influence.
➎ Public Opinion on the Punished Varies:
Some judge harshly, others recognize the penitence. The Prophet ﷺ affirms that ḥadd is a means of atonement and entry into Allah’s mercy.
