A man came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) while he was in the mosque, and called him, saying, "O Allah's Apostle! I have committed illegal sexual intercourse." The Prophet (ﷺ) turned his face to the other side, but when the man gave four witnesses against himself, the Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "Are you mad?" The man said, "No." So the Prophet (ﷺ) said (to his companions), "Take him away and stone him to death. "
The Incident of Ma'iz ibn Malik
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 7167 recounts the profound incident of Ma'iz ibn Malik who came to confess zina (illegal sexual intercourse) before the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The man's persistence in seeking purification through prescribed punishment demonstrates the transformative power of Islamic law in cleansing sins and restoring spiritual purity.
Scholarly Commentary on Legal Procedure
The Prophet's initial turning away signifies the Islamic legal principle of seeking alternatives to hudud punishments whenever possible. Scholars note this reflects divine mercy and the preference for repentance over punishment.
The requirement of four witnesses or self-confession establishes the high evidentiary standard in Islamic law for proving zina, making implementation rare and protecting society from false accusations.
The question "Are you mad?" demonstrates the Prophet's concern for the confessor's mental state, as Islamic law exempts those not of sound mind from legal responsibilities.
Spiritual Dimensions and Wisdom
This incident illustrates the Islamic concept that enduring worldly punishment expiates sin and prevents punishment in the hereafter. Classical scholars emphasize that such sincere confession reflects profound faith and desire for Allah's forgiveness.
The location in the mosque underscores the seriousness of the matter while maintaining the sanctity of the mosque as a place for seeking guidance and purification.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes that confession must be clear, specific, and repeated without coercion. The punishment is only implemented when all conditions are met and alternatives exhausted.
Scholars derive from this that Islamic punishments serve both as deterrent and purification, balancing the rights of Allah with the wellbeing of society and the individual's spiritual state.