When a man who had drunk wine was brought to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), he said: Beat him. Abu Hurairah said: Some struck him with their hands, some with their garment. When he turned his face, some people said: Allah put you shame! The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Do not say like that and help the devil to get power over him.
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4477 describes a significant incident where a man who consumed wine was brought before Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Prophet ordered his punishment, demonstrating the Islamic position on intoxicants.
Legal Ruling on Intoxicants
The command "Beat him" establishes the hadd punishment for drinking alcohol. Classical scholars differ on the exact number of lashes - some hold it is 40 based on this hadith, while others maintain 80 based on other narrations and the practice of Caliph Ali.
The varied implements used (hands and garments) indicate flexibility in administering the punishment, focusing on the disciplinary aspect rather than severe physical harm.
Spiritual Wisdom in Correction
When companions cursed the offender saying "Allah put you to shame," the Prophet immediately corrected them. This teaches us that the purpose of punishment is reformative, not humiliating.
The warning against helping "the devil to get power over him" reveals profound insight: harsh words and public shaming can push sinners deeper into sin rather than encouraging repentance.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Nawawi explains that the prohibition against cursing reinforces that Muslims should wish guidance for sinners, not their destruction.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this incident demonstrates the balance between enforcing divine limits and maintaining compassion - the punishment is administered but without breaking the sinner's spirit.
Classical jurists derive from this that the executor of hadd punishments should have the intention of purifying the offender, not merely inflicting pain.