The Book of Legal Punishments

Sahih Muslim 1689 - Commentary by Classical Scholars

Context of the Hadith

This statement was uttered by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding a theft case involving a woman from the noble Quraysh tribe. It demonstrates the absolute equality before Islamic law, where social status provides no immunity from divinely prescribed punishments.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam An-Nawawi explains that this hadith establishes the fundamental principle of equality in implementing legal punishments (hudud). The mention of Fatimah, the Prophet's beloved daughter, emphasizes that no one - regardless of lineage or proximity to the Prophet - is above Allah's law.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this narration underscores the importance of implementing hudud without discrimination, as justice in Islam is blind to social status, wealth, or family connections.

Legal Principles Derived

1. Equality before the law is a cornerstone of Islamic jurisprudence

2. Personal relationships must not interfere with judicial rulings

3. The implementation of hudud requires strict evidentiary standards and proper judicial process

4. The purpose of punishment is to establish justice and deter crime, not merely to inflict suffering