They shall receive a hundred lashes and toned to death.
Prescribed Punishments (Kitab Al-Hudud)
Sunan Abi Dawud 4416
Textual Analysis
The phrase "hundred lashes and stoned to death" refers to the prescribed punishment (hadd) for a married person who commits unlawful sexual intercourse (zina). This combined punishment is specifically for muhsan (a married, free, Muslim who has previously had lawful sexual relations in marriage).
Juridical Interpretation
Scholars differ regarding the implementation of both punishments. The majority position holds that the adulterer receives one hundred lashes followed by stoning. Some early scholars suggested the lashing serves as purification while stoning serves as the capital punishment. The conditions for implementing this punishment are extremely rigorous, requiring either a confession repeated four times or the testimony of four eyewitnesses who saw the actual penetration.
Legal Wisdom
This severe punishment serves as a deterrent to protect lineage, honor, and family structure in society. The strict evidentiary requirements demonstrate Islam's emphasis on avoiding punishment where doubt exists. The combination of lashing and stoning reflects the gravity of violating marital trust while maintaining the possibility of repentance before punishment.