The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said to Ibn Suriya': I remind you by Allah Who saved you from the people of Pharaoh, made you cover the sea, gave you the shade of clouds, sent down to you manna and quails, sent down you Torah to Moses, do you find stoning (for adultery) in your Book? He said: You have reminded me by the Great. It is not possible for me to belie you. He then transmitted the rest of the tradition.
Hadith Text & Context
The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said to Ibn Suriya': I remind you by Allah Who saved you from the people of Pharaoh, made you cover the sea, gave you the shade of clouds, sent down to you manna and quails, sent down you Torah to Moses, do you find stoning (for adultery) in your Book? He said: You have reminded me by the Great. It is not possible for me to belie you. He then transmitted the rest of the tradition.
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 3626 in The Office of the Judge (Kitab Al-Aqdiyah) demonstrates the Prophet's methodology in establishing religious rulings through consultation with People of the Book when necessary.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's invocation of Allah's favors upon the Jews serves as a powerful rhetorical device, awakening the conscience of Ibn Suriya' and compelling him to acknowledge the truth. This approach reflects divine wisdom in dealing with scholars of previous scriptures.
Ibn Suriya's response "You have reminded me by the Great" indicates his recognition of these divine blessings and his inability to conceal the truth despite potential communal pressure. His admission confirms that stoning for adultery was indeed prescribed in the original Torah.
This incident establishes the principle that when People of the Book attest to rulings found in their authentic scriptures, such testimony can be accepted in Islamic jurisprudence, particularly when it aligns with and confirms Islamic teachings.
Legal Implications
This tradition provides evidence for the validity of rajm (stoning) as punishment for married adulterers in Islamic law, demonstrating its continuity from previous divine legislation.
The methodology shown here illustrates how Islamic law sometimes draws upon confirmed previous revelations, while maintaining the ultimate authority of the Qur'an and Sunnah as the final criteria for acceptance or rejection.
Spiritual Lessons
The Prophet's gentle yet firm approach teaches us the importance of wisdom in dialogue, appealing to shared beliefs and historical truths when engaging with People of the Book.
Ibn Suriya's ultimate honesty, despite potential consequences, serves as an example of intellectual integrity when faced with undeniable truth.