Hadith Text & Reference

"O Messenger of Allah, these are Banu Tha'labah who killed so and so during the Jahiliyyah: avenge us! He raised his arms until the whiteness of his armpits could be seen and said: 'No mother's sin can affect her child,' twice." (Sahih)

Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4839 | The Book of Oaths (qasamah), Retaliation and Blood Money

Contextual Background

This incident occurred when companions from Banu Tha'labah approached Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) seeking retaliation for a killing that happened during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance (Jahiliyyah). The emotional intensity is evident from the Prophet's physical response - raising his arms so high that his armpits became visible, indicating the gravity and importance of his declaration.

Legal Ruling Explained

The Prophet's statement "No mother's sin can affect her child" establishes a fundamental Islamic legal principle: individuals are only accountable for their own actions, not the crimes of their ancestors. This abolished the pre-Islamic practice of collective punishment and tribal vengeance where entire families or tribes were held responsible for one member's crime.

Theological Significance

This ruling reflects Islam's emphasis on individual moral responsibility, aligning with Quranic teachings that "no bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another" (Quran 6:164). The repetition of the phrase emphasizes its importance and serves as a definitive abolition of pre-Islamic tribal justice systems.

Practical Implications

This hadith forms the basis for Islamic criminal law where punishment is strictly individual. It prevents cycles of endless tribal warfare and establishes that legal responsibility cannot be inherited. The ruling applies to both worldly punishments and divine accountability in the hereafter, ensuring justice is based on personal conduct rather than familial or tribal associations.