‘Ubada b. as-Samit reported the Prophet as saying, “Receive my teaching, receive my teaching God has appointed a way for those women (Cf. Al-Qur'an, 4:15). When the parties are unmarried they shall receive a hundred lashes and be banished for a year when they commit fornication and when they have been married they shall receive a hundred lashes and be stoned to death.” Muslim transmitted it.
Exposition of the Hadith on Prescribed Punishments
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the divine legislation regarding unlawful sexual relations, as transmitted by the esteemed Companion 'Ubada ibn al-Samit and recorded in Sahih Muslim.
The Divine Wisdom in Prescribing Punishments
Allah in His infinite wisdom has established these punishments to protect society's moral fabric, preserve lineage, and safeguard family structure. The reference to Quranic verse 4:15 indicates the continuity of divine legislation while demonstrating the Prophet's role in elaborating and implementing God's law.
Distinction Between Unmarried and Married Offenders
The hadith clearly distinguishes between the punishment for unmarried fornicators (one hundred lashes and exile for one year) and married adulterers (one hundred lashes and stoning). This differentiation recognizes the greater sanctity of marriage and the severity of violating its covenant.
Scholarly Commentary on Implementation
Classical scholars have stipulated stringent conditions for implementing these punishments, including: the requirement of four upright witnesses to the actual act, voluntary confession repeated four times, and the absence of any doubt regarding the circumstances. These safeguards ensure justice while making application rare.
The wisdom behind combining lashing with stoning for married persons is understood as purification through lashing followed by the ultimate punishment of stoning, reflecting the gravity of violating marital trust.
Legal and Spiritual Dimensions
These prescribed punishments serve both as legal deterrents and spiritual reminders. They purify society from moral corruption while offering individuals the opportunity for repentance before God. The Prophet's instruction to "receive my teaching" emphasizes the importance of understanding and implementing divine law with wisdom and compassion.