Ibn Abbas said: A lunatic woman who had committed adultery was brought to Umar. He consulted the people and ordered that she should be stoned.
Ali ibn AbuTalib passed by and said: What is the matter with this (woman)? They said: This is a lunatic woman belonging to a certain family. She has committed adultery. Umar has given orders that she should be stoned.
He said: Take her back. He then came to him and said: Commander of the Faithful, do you not know that there are three people whose actions are not recorded: a lunatic till he is restored to reason, a sleeper till he awakes, and a boy till he reaches puberty?
He said: Yes. He then asked: Why is it that this woman is being stoned?
He said: There is nothing. He then said: Let her go. He (Umar) let her go and began to utter: Allah is most great.
Hadith Commentary: The Case of the Lunatic Woman
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4399 presents a profound legal discussion between Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and Ali ibn Abi Talib regarding criminal responsibility and the conditions for implementing prescribed punishments (hudud).
Legal Analysis of Criminal Responsibility
Ali ibn Abi Talib invoked the established Islamic principle that three categories of people are not held legally accountable: the insane until they regain sanity, the sleeper until they awaken, and the child until they reach puberty. This demonstrates that Islamic law requires full mental capacity (aql) and understanding (tamyiz) for criminal liability.
The Wisdom in Legal Consultation
The incident shows the humility of Umar, who initially consulted people but upon hearing stronger evidence from Ali, immediately reversed his decision. This exemplifies the proper methodology in Islamic jurisprudence - following evidence regardless of one's position.
Divine Mercy in Islamic Law
Umar's proclamation of "Allahu Akbar" upon releasing the woman reflects recognition of God's mercy in the legal system. The hudud punishments have strict conditions that must be met, and when there is doubt (shubha), the punishment is averted as per the Prophetic instruction.
Application in Contemporary Context
This ruling extends beyond adultery to all prescribed punishments in Kitab Al-Hudud. Modern applications would include exemptions for those with mental illnesses, cognitive impairments, or conditions affecting legal consciousness, preserving both the spirit and letter of Islamic law.