No one should be flogged more than ten lashes except when it comes to one of the limits set by Allah

Arabic text

عَنْ أَبِي بُرْدَةَ الْأَنْصَارِيِّ رَضيَ اللهُ عنهُ أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «لَا يُجْلَدُ أَحَدٌ فَوْقَ عَشَرَةِ أَسْوَاطٍ إِلَّا فِي حَدٍّ مِنْ حُدُودِ اللهِ».

Translation

Abu Burdah al-Ansāri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "No one should be flogged more than ten lashes except when it comes to one of the limits set by Allah."

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade flogging anyone more than ten lashes except in case of committing sins. This does not refer to punishments where a specific number of lashes, strikes, or a penalty have been prescribed by the Legislator. The meaning here is that disciplinary beating, such as flogging a wife or child, should not exceed ten lashes.

Benefits

• The limits set by Allah Almighty, which He has commanded or prohibited, have deterrent punishments, which are either decreed by the Legislator or left to the discretion of the ruler based on what he deems beneficial.
• Disciplinary action should be light, just enough to guide and intimidate, and should not exceed ten lashes if needed. It is preferable; however, to discipline them without beating, relying instead on direction, teaching, guidance, and encouragement, as this approach is more likely to be accepted and fosters gentleness in teaching. Circumstances vary greatly in this regard, so one should choose what is most suitable.

Topics

• Jurisprudence and Juristic Principles
• Prescribed Punishments
• Rulings of Discretionary Punishments