"It is not permissible to shed the blood of a Muslim except in one of three cases: A soul for a soul, a adulterer who has been married, and one who separates leaving his religion."
The Book of Oaths (qasamah), Retaliation and Blood Money - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4721
Textual Analysis
This profound hadith establishes the sanctity of Muslim blood, declaring it inviolable except in three precisely defined circumstances. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered this as a foundational legal principle during his Farewell Pilgrimage, emphasizing the gravity of taking human life.
First Exception: A Soul for a Soul (Qisas)
This refers to lawful retaliation for intentional murder. The Quranic basis is "O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution for those murdered" (2:178). This is administered by the legitimate Islamic authority after proper judicial proceedings establish guilt beyond doubt. The purpose is to establish justice and deterrence, not vengeance.
Second Exception: The Married Adulterer (Zina al-Muhsan)
This applies specifically to a Muslim who is muhsan (married, free, adult, and having had lawful sexual relations in marriage) who commits adultery. The punishment is stoning (rajm), based on established Sunnah. This severe penalty underscores the sanctity of marriage and lineage in Islamic law. The evidentiary requirements are extremely stringent - requiring four upright Muslim witnesses to the actual penetration.
Third Exception: The Apostate (Murtadd)
This refers to one who willfully renounces Islam after having embraced it knowingly. Classical scholars explain this punishment applies only after the apostate is given opportunity to repent and return to Islam. The basis is the protection of the Muslim community's religious integrity and social fabric. This ruling applies to those who publicly declare apostasy, not private doubts.
Legal Principles Derived
This hadith establishes that life is sacred by default. Exceptions are limited and strictly defined. All three cases require proper Islamic judicial process - no individual may take execution into their own hands. The punishments serve as ultimate deterrents for crimes that threaten fundamental societal foundations: life, family honor, and religious unity.