MUSJIDUL HAQ

Download PDF: [S] Punishment must fit the Sin

It is mentioned that one day a person was sitting in front of the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – and complained to the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – that his slave was speaking lies to him, was being dishonest and was being disobedient. He said, “Therefore, I had to swear at him and also hit him. Please inform me what is the situation between him and I.”

The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – replied, “His dishonesty, his lies and his disobedience will be weight against your punishment. If the punishment is equal to the crime, then both of you are equal. He does not have a right over you and neither you over him. If your punishment is less, then this will be a cause of your excellence. If your punishment is more than his sins, then you will be held accountable.”

The person was screaming and crying when he heard this statement.

The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then asked him, “Did you not read the Qur’anic verse:

“And We shall set up the scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection – therefore no soul will be wronged in the least; and if a thing is equal to a grain of mustard seed, We will bring it; and We are Sufficient to (take) account.” (Al Ambiyah 21/ 47)

The person then replied, “O Prophet of Allah! I cannot see anything better than to free the person, therefore, I am making you a witness that I have freed the person.” (Sahih Tirmidhi Shareef)