A woman belonging to the tribe of Juhaynah (according to the version of Aban) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said that she had committed fornication and that she was pregnant. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called her guardian.
Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to him: Be good to her, and when she bears a child, bring her (to me). When she gave birth to the child, he brought her (to him). The Prophet (ﷺ) gave orders regarding her, and her clothes were tied to her. He then commanded regarding her and she was stoned to death. He commanded the people (to pray) and they prayed over her.
Thereupon Umar said: Are you praying over her, Messenger of Allah, when she has committed fornication?
He said: By Him in Whose hand my soul is, she has repented to such an extent that if it were divided among the seventy people of Medina, it would have been enough for them all. And what do you find better than the fact that she gave her life.
Aban did not say in his version: Then her clothes were tied to her.
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4440 describes a woman from Juhaynah who confessed to fornication while pregnant. The Prophet (ﷺ) delayed punishment until childbirth, demonstrating Islamic mercy and ensuring the innocent child's protection.
Legal Procedure Analysis
The Prophet's actions establish key legal principles: confession must be verified, punishment is delayed for pregnancy, and proper Islamic procedure must be followed. The guardian's involvement shows family responsibility in such matters.
The variation in narrations regarding clothing being tied reflects different transmission chains but doesn't affect the core legal ruling.
Repentance & Prayer Controversy
Umar's question reflects initial juristic confusion about praying for sinners. The Prophet's response establishes that sincere repentance (tawbah) completely transforms a person's spiritual status before Allah.
The comparison to "seventy people of Medina" indicates the magnitude and perfection of her repentance, making her worthy of Muslim prayers and burial rites.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note this hadith demonstrates the balance between implementing divine law (hudud) and divine mercy. The woman's voluntary confession and acceptance of punishment elevated her spiritual status.
Imam Nawawi comments that this case shows how sincere repentance can erase sins and make one deserving of full Muslim rights, including funeral prayers.