because this allows him to escape, unlike testimony, in which case he is not allowed to do so.

However, what appears correct to me is that the matter is left to the judge’s discretion: if he considers digging a pit to be in the public interest, it should be dug; otherwise, it should not.

Then, according to the view that a pit is to be dug, we dig a pit for him but do not bury him in it. For if we were to bury him, he might not die, though he would be unable to move at all and would suffer. Whereas, if he remains able—for example—to turn in one direction and move slightly, it may ease the ordeal for him.

In summary, the general conditions are: legal maturity, soundness of mind, being subject to the rulings of Islam, and knowledge that the act is unlawful. These are conditions for every prescribed punishment, while other conditions are mentioned separately under each respective chapter.