A Jewess presented a roasted sheep to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at Khaybar.
He then mentioned the rest of the tradition like that of Jabir (No. 4495). He said: Then Bashir ibn al-Bara' ibn Ma'rur al-Ansari died. He sent someone to call on the Jewess, and said to her (when she came): What motivated you to do the work you have done? He then mentioned the rest of the tradition similar to the one mentioned by Jabir (No. 4495).
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then ordered regarding her and she was killed. But he (AbuSalamah) did not mention the matter of cupping.
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4511 recounts the incident at Khaybar where a Jewess presented poisoned sheep to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The complete account reveals this was an assassination attempt through poisoned food, resulting in the martyrdom of Bashir ibn al-Bara'.
Legal Ruling & Scholarly Analysis
Classical scholars unanimously rule that intentional poisoning with lethal intent constitutes deliberate murder (qatl al-amd). The perpetrator's execution is mandated by Islamic law as legal retribution (qisas).
Imam al-Shafi'i and Malik ibn Anas emphasize that poisoning represents premeditated homicide, requiring capital punishment regardless of the weapon used. The Hanafi school similarly classifies poisoning under deliberate murder requiring blood-wit or retribution.
Blood-Wit Implications
This incident establishes crucial precedent in Kitab Al-Diyat (Types of Blood-Wit). The Prophet's (ﷺ) execution order confirms poisoning demands the same legal consequence as direct physical killing.
Scholars derive that diyat (blood-money) is insufficient for intentional poisoning - only qisas (retribution) satisfies the legal requirement. The victim's heirs maintain the right to demand execution or accept diyat, though the former is the established sunnah.
Jurisprudential Principles
Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi notes: "The means of killing is irrelevant when intent is established. Whether by sword, poison, or other means, the ruling of deliberate murder applies."
This ruling protects societal security by deterring covert assassination methods. The equal application of qisas regardless of method demonstrates Islam's comprehensive justice system.