Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The blood of a Muslim who confesses that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In Qisas for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims."
Hadith Text - Sahih al-Bukhari 6878
"The blood of a Muslim who confesses that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that I am His Apostle, cannot be shed except in three cases: In Qisas for murder, a married person who commits illegal sexual intercourse and the one who reverts from Islam (apostate) and leaves the Muslims."
Legal Context of Blood Money (Ad-Diyat)
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle of inviolability of Muslim life, which is protected by the twin testimonies of faith. The three exceptions represent cases where this protection is lifted due to grave violations against divine law and social order.
Scholarly Commentary on the Three Exceptions
Qisas for Murder: This refers to lawful retribution for intentional killing, where the victim's heirs may demand equivalent punishment or accept blood money (diyah) as compensation.
Married Person Committing Zina: The married adulterer (muhsan) faces capital punishment by stoning, as their act constitutes a severe breach of marital trust and social morality.
Apostate Who Leaves Muslim Community: Apostasy (riddah) after embracing Islam constitutes rejection of divine truth and separation from the Muslim ummah, thus nullifying the protection granted to believers.
Juridical Principles Derived
This Prophetic statement serves as the foundation for Islamic criminal law regarding capital offenses. Scholars emphasize that these punishments require strict evidential standards and proper judicial procedures.
The hadith demonstrates Islam's balanced approach - protecting innocent life while maintaining social order through prescribed penalties for the most serious crimes that threaten the foundation of Islamic society.