I have committed immorality (adultery), so inflict punishment upon me. Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) turned him away again and again. He then asked his people (about the state of his mind). They said: We do not know of any ailment of his except that he has committed something about which he thinks that he would not be able to relieve himself of its burden but with the Hadd being imposed upon him. He (Ma'iz) came back to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) and he commanded us to stone him. We took him to the Baqi' al-Gharqad (the graveyard of Medina). We neither tied him nor dug any ditch for him. We attacked him with bones, with clods and pebbles. He ran away and we ran after him until he came upon the ston ground (al-Harra) and stopped there and we stoned him with heavy stones of the Harra until he became motionless (lie died). He (the Holy Prophet) then addressed (us) in the evening saying Whenever we set forth on an expedition in the cause of Allah, some one of those connected with us shrieked (under the pressure of sexual lust) as the bleating of a male goat. It is essential that if a person having committed such a deed is brought to me, I should punish him. He neither begged forgiveness for him nor cursed him.
The Book of Legal Punishments - Sahih Muslim 1694a
This narration from Sahih Muslim presents the case of Ma'iz ibn Malik who confessed to adultery and persistently sought the prescribed legal punishment (hadd) from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Scholarly Commentary on the Confession
The Prophet's repeated rejection of Ma'iz's confession demonstrates the Islamic legal principle of seeking excuses and avenues for repentance whenever possible. Scholars note this reflects the mercy inherent in Islamic law, where punishment is not sought but rather avoided through doubt or repentance.
The Prophet's inquiry about Ma'iz's mental state establishes another crucial legal principle: the requirement of sound mind and understanding for the implementation of hadd punishments. Only after verifying his mental competence through his community did the punishment proceed.
Implementation of the Punishment
The method of stoning described - without binding or pit - follows the specific prophetic practice for this punishment. Scholars explain this method allows for the possibility of escape, which would constitute divine pardon.
Ma'iz's attempt to flee during the stoning is significant in classical commentaries. Some scholars view his flight as an expression of natural human instinct for self-preservation, while others see it as potentially invalidating the punishment had he successfully escaped.
Prophetic Response and Legal Wisdom
The Prophet's subsequent sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral discipline even during military campaigns. Classical commentators note this connects individual morality with collective spiritual strength.
The Prophet's neutral stance - neither seeking forgiveness nor cursing Ma'iz - embodies the balanced approach Islamic law takes toward such cases. Scholars explain this demonstrates that once legal requirements are fulfilled, the matter rests with Divine judgment.