Book 17: Prescribed Punishments

‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “If anyone’s intercession intervenes as an obstacle to one of the punishments prescribed by God he has opposed God; if anyone disputes knowingly about something which is false he remains in the displeasure of God most high till he desists; and if anyone makes an untruthful accusation against a Muslim he will be made by God to dwell in the corrupt fluid flowing from the inhabitants of hell* till he retracts his statement.” Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted it. * Radghat al-khabal. In a version by Baihaqi in Shu'ab al-iman it says, “He who assists in a dispute, not knowing whether it is true or false, will remain in God’s displeasure till he desists.” Baihaqi in Shu'ab al-iman

Abu Umayya al-Makhzumi told that a robber who had made acknowledgment was brought to the Prophet, but no goods were found with him. God’s Messenger said to him, “I do not think you have stolen.” He replied that he had and repeated it to him twice or thrice, making acknowledgment all the time, so he gave orders and his hand was cut off. He was then brought to him and God’s Messenger said to him, “Ask God’s pardon and turn to Him in repentance.” He said, “I ask God’s pardon and turn to Him in repentance.” God's Messenger then said three times, “O God, forgive him.” Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it. Thus did I find it in the four texts quoted, in Jami' al-usul, Shu'ab al-iman, and Ma'alim as-sunan on the authority of Abu Umayya, but in the texts of al-Masabih it is given on the authority of Abu Rimtha.* *This is the kind of misunderstanding which can easily arise owing to the similarity of امیۃ and رمثۃ if not carefully written.