No more than ten lashes are to be given except regarding one of the limits set by Allah.

No more than ten lashes are to be given except regarding one of the limits set by Allah.

Abu Burdah Hāni’ ibn Niyār (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "No more than ten lashes are to be given except regarding one of the limits set by Allah."

[Authentic hadith] [Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim]

Explanation

The limits set by Allah, the Almighty, refer to His commands and prohibitions, violation of which entails deterrent punishments, whether prescribed, like these of adultery and defamation, or discretionary, like these inflicted for breaking one's fast during the daytime in Ramadan and refusing to pay Zakah, as well as for other prohibitions or abandonment of obligations. Apart from this, there are disciplinary procedures for women and boys to be implemented, not for the commission of sins, but for the purpose of rectification and discipline. Such measures may not go beyond ten lashes, unless the wrongdoer abandons a religious obligation or engages in a prohibited thing.

Categories

Rulings of Discretionary Punishments