“If a woman kills someone deliberately, she should not be killed until she delivers what is in her womb, if she is pregnant, and until the child's sponsorship is guaranteed. And if a woman commits illegal sex, she should not be stoned until she delivers what is in her womb and until her child's sponsorship is guaranteed.”
Narrated by Mu'adh bin Jabal, Abu Ubaidah bin Jararah, Ubadah bin Samit and Shaddad bin Aws narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ discusses the consequences for a pregnant woman who commits a crime, stating that she should not face punishment until after childbirth. This highlights the compassionate approach in Islamic law towards women and children, emphasizing the importance of considering the circumstances surrounding actions.
Modern Application
In contemporary discussions about justice and accountability, this hadith reminds us of the need for compassion and understanding in legal matters, particularly concerning vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women. It encourages a thoughtful approach to justice that considers the broader implications of actions.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Justice and Punishments (Hudud) because it illustrates a compassionate perspective in Islamic law regarding the treatment of women and the consideration of their circumstances before imposing penalties.
O Prophet, when the believing women come to you pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allah, nor will they steal, nor will they commit unlawful sexual intercourse, nor will they kill their children, nor will they bring forth a slander they have invented between their arms and legs, nor will they disobey you in what is right - then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for them of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
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.
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.
Lodge them [in a section] of where you dwell out of your means and do not harm them in order to oppress them. And if they should be pregnant, then spend on them until they give birth. And if they breastfeed for you, then give them their payment and confer among yourselves in the acceptable way; but if you are in discord, then there may breastfeed for the father another woman.
Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is [a duty] like that [of the father]. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according to what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.
This hadith is #2430 from Sunan Ibn Majah, in the Book of The Chapters on Blood Money. It is graded Hasan and narrated by Mu'adh bin Jabal, Abu Ubaidah bin Jararah, Ubadah bin Samit and Shaddad bin Aws narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:.