Question

What is the authenticity of the following narration?

“Avert the infliction of prescribed penalties on Muslims as much as you can, and if there is any way out, let a man go, for it is better for a leader to make a mistake in forgiving than to make a mistake in punishing.”

Answer

Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded the Hadith in question on the authority of Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) with a very weak chain.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1424)

Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) then sates that the correct version of this narration, reported with a reliable chain attributes this statement to Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah (radiyallahu ‘anha) –mawqufan– and not to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) and others have also expressed similar opinions.

(Refer: As Sunanul Kubra, vol. 8, pg. 238)

Averting corporal punishment when in doubt has been authentically reported as a Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). See here for more.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar