If she commits adultery, then flog her and if she commits adultery again, then flog her and then sell her even for a rope. Ibn Shihab said: I do not know whether he said this (his statement pertaining to the sale of slave-woman) at the third or the fourth time. Ibn Shihab said that the word dafir (used in the text) means rope.
Narrated by Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was asked about the slave-woman who committed adultery and was not protected (married). He said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addresses the issue of punishment for a slave-woman who commits adultery. He outlines a repetitive punishment for her actions, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. This hadith reflects the societal norms of the time regarding accountability and justice.
Modern Application
This principle highlights the importance of accountability in society today. It reminds us that actions have consequences, and maintaining justice is essential for a functioning community, even as we navigate contemporary understandings of justice and rehabilitation.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Justice and Punishments (Hudud) because it discusses the application of punishment for wrongdoing, reflecting the concept of justice in Islamic law.
The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.
And those who pronounce thihar from their wives and then [wish to] go back on what they said - then [there must be] the freeing of a slave before they touch one another. That is what you are admonished thereby; and Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allah. But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allah, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah - it is those who are the wrongdoers.
Those who commit unlawful sexual intercourse of your women - bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine the guilty women to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way.
O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you should commit a clear immorality - for her the punishment would be doubled two fold, and ever is that, for Allah, easy.
This hadith is #4317 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Legal Punishments. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was asked about the slave-woman who committed adultery and was not protected (married). He said:.
