The Book of Visiting the Sick

Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 148

Instructing the Patient's family to be kind to him - Consoling the Patients and showing kindness to one Facing Death SentenceInstructing the Patient's family to be kind to him - Consoling the Patients and showing kindness to one Facing Death Sentence

باب استحباب وصية أهل المريض ومن يخدمه بالإحسان إليه والصبر على من يشق من أمره

This chapter is about treating those facing hardship with gentleness and care, even when they are bearing the consequences of serious wrong. It asks the people around such a person to act with kindness and patience rather than harshness.

The single narration shows the Prophet directing that a woman be treated well and given time, and praying over her after her death. The thread to hold onto is mercy: dignity and compassion are not withdrawn from a person in their most difficult hour.

Hadith 913

`Imran bin Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

عن عمران بن الحصين رضي الله عنهما أن امراة من جهينة أتت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلمى الله عليه وسلم الله عليه وسلم الله عليه وسلم وهي حبلي من الزنا، فقالت‏:‏ يا رسول الله، أصبت حداً فأقمه علي ، فدعا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وليها، فقال‏:‏ ‏ "‏أحسن إليها فإذا وضعت فأتني بها” ففعل، فأمر بها النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم الله عليه وسلمى الله عليه وسلم الله عليه وسلم ، فشدت عليها ثيابها، ثم أمر بها فرجمت، ثم صلى عليها‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

A woman belonging to the Juhainah tribe came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) after having conceived from Zina. She submitted: "O Messenger of Allah! I am liable to Hadd (punishment ordained by Allah), so execute it.'' The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) called her guardian and said, "Treat her well and bring her to me after delivery.'' He acted accordingly. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded to tie her clothes firmly around her and then stoned her to death. He (ﷺ) then offered funeral prayer for her. [Muslim].

In plain words

A woman came seeking to be purified of a grave sin she confessed, and the Prophet ordered that she be treated well and given time before the penalty was carried out, then he prayed over her, showing kindness even toward one facing punishment.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 913 In-book reference : Book 6, Hadith 20