Why Did the Prophet Delay One Punishment but Carry Out Another?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Why did the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) carry out the punishment for the woman who confessed to adultery after she finished nursing her child, while he overlooked the man’s confession three times before imposing punishment?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) demonstrated exceptional wisdom, mercy, and discretion in applying Islamic law. When the woman came to him confessing to adultery, he delayed the punishment until after she had delivered and nursed her child, showing compassion for the child’s needs and upholding the principles of mercy and fairness.
In the case of the man, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) initially turned him away after his confession, which some scholars interpret as an encouragement for the man to keep his sin private and repent directly to Allah (Most High). By not immediately imposing the punishment, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) allowed for the possibility of sincere repentance without public exposure, often preferred in Islam to protect individuals and encourage private repentance. [Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari]
These examples illustrate his method of balancing justice with mercy, compassion, and the overall well-being of the community.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
