Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took (a pledge) from us as he took from the women that we will not associate anything with Allah and we will not steal, and we will not commit adultery, and we will not kill our children, and we will not bring calumny upon one another. And he who amongst you fulfils (this pledge), his reward rests with Allah, and he upon whom amongst you is imposed the prescribed punishment and that is carried out, that is his expiation (for that sin), and he whose (sins) were covered by Allah, his matter rests with Allah. He may punish him if He likes or may forgive him if He so likes.
The Book of Legal Punishments
Sahih Muslim - Hadith 1709c
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took (a pledge) from us as he took from the women that we will not associate anything with Allah and we will not steal, and we will not commit adultery, and we will not kill our children, and we will not bring calumny upon one another. And he who amongst you fulfils (this pledge), his reward rests with Allah, and he upon whom amongst you is imposed the prescribed punishment and that is carried out, that is his expiation (for that sin), and he whose (sins) were covered by Allah, his matter rests with Allah. He may punish him if He likes or may forgive him if He so likes.
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the foundational covenant between the Muslim community and their Lord. The Prophet (ﷺ) took this pledge from men just as he took it from women, demonstrating the equality of religious responsibility before Allah.
The pledge encompasses the five major prohibitions: shirk (associating partners with Allah), theft, adultery, killing children (referring to infanticide practiced in pre-Islamic Arabia), and false accusation. These constitute the most grievous violations against Allah's rights and human rights.
The wisdom behind prescribed punishments (hudud) is revealed herein: when carried out properly by the Islamic authority, they serve as expiation for the sinner's transgression. This demonstrates Allah's mercy even in His justice.
For those whose sins remain concealed, their affair rests with Allah alone - either punishing them in the Hereafter or granting them forgiveness through His infinite mercy. This should inspire both hope and fear in the believer's heart.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes that hudud punishments, when properly implemented, purify the sinner from their sin in this world, potentially saving them from punishment in the Hereafter.
The concealment of sins is encouraged in Islam, as indicated by the reference to those whose sins Allah covers. This promotes individual repentance without public exposure when possible.
The comprehensive nature of this pledge shows that Islamic law protects faith, life, lineage, property, and honor - the five essential purposes of Sharia.