The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) Said: The blood of a Muslim man who testifies that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle should not lawfully be shed except only for one of three reasons: a man who committed fornication after marriage, in which case he should be stoned; one who goes forth to fight with Allah and His Apostle, in which case he should be killed or crucified or exiled from the land; or one who commits murder for which he is killed.
Narrated by Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) states that the blood of a Muslim should not be shed except in three specific cases: adultery after marriage, murder, or apostasy. This establishes a framework for understanding the gravity of taking a life and underscores the sanctity of human life in Islam. It reflects the principles of justice and mercy within the legal system.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the value of human life and the seriousness of actions that can lead to capital punishment. In modern society, it encourages individuals to reflect on their actions and the consequences they may have, promoting a culture of accountability and respect for life.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Divine Legislation and Punishments (Hudud) because it outlines specific circumstances under which the taking of life is deemed permissible, emphasizing the importance of justice in Islamic law.
Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment,
And never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment presented to the deceased's family [is required] unless they give [up their right as] charity. But if the deceased was from a people at war with you and he was a believer - then [only] the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation payment presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find [one or cannot afford to buy one] - then [instead], a fast for two months consecutively, [seeking] acceptance of repentance from Allah. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
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 do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty.
Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful.
This hadith is #4355 from Sunan Abu Dawud, in the Book of Prescribed Punishments (Kitab Al-Hudud). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:.