Limits and Punishments set by Allah (Hudood)

Sahih al-Bukhari 6782

Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When (a person) an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it; and when somebody steals, then he is not a believer at the time he is stealing."

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith addresses the gravity of major sins and their effect on faith. The phrase "he is not a believer" does not mean complete apostasy from Islam, but rather indicates the deficiency and weakness of faith at the moment of committing these grave sins. The believer's faith should prevent them from such transgressions against Allah's boundaries.

Scholars explain that faith (iman) increases through obedience and decreases through disobedience. When a Muslim commits adultery or theft, their faith is at its weakest point, though the foundation of Islam remains if they still believe in Allah and His Messenger. This serves as a severe warning against violating Allah's hudood.

The specification of these two sins - adultery and theft - highlights their particular severity as they violate both the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation. The hadith emphasizes that true faith must manifest in actions and that major sins temporarily strip the believer of the complete protection of faith.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

This teaching serves as both a spiritual warning and legal principle. Spiritually, it reminds Muslims that faith and action are inseparable. Legally, it establishes that those who commit such crimes cannot claim religious justification for their actions.

The hadith does not negate the possibility of repentance. When the sinner ceases the forbidden act and repents sincerely, their faith can be restored to its proper state. This reflects Allah's infinite mercy alongside His perfect justice.