is disciplined, so we do not say to him, “May Allah have mercy on you,” thereby depriving him of something he likes. This is why the Jews would sneeze in the presence of the Messenger of Allah, hoping that he would say, “May Allah have mercy on you”; but he would not say this. Rather, he would say: “May Allah guide you.” (1)

Likewise, if a disbeliever sneezes and praises Allah, do not say, “May Allah have mercy on you.” Instead, say to him, “May Allah guide you,” for if Allah guides him, He will have mercy on him.

His statement, “and it is obligatory”: this is the view adopted by the author, may Allah have mercy on him. Some scholars have said that it is not obligatory in every case, nor is it to be abandoned in every case; rather, it is left to the ruler’s discretionary judgment, on condition that he be trustworthy. They supported this with many incidents that occurred during the time of the Messenger of Allah in which he did not administer discipline, and with the fact that the objective is reform. Many people, when shown favor and released, regard such release as more significant than punishment; they recognize the value of this release and refrain from sin more firmly than they would if they were beaten. Thus, as mentioned earlier concerning prisoners of war, it is permissible for the imam to show them favor: “Either set them free as a favor or ransom them,” [Muhammad 47:4], according to what the public interest requires.

So, if we bring this man forward and say, “My brother, this is not befitting someone like you. You are among those whom it pains us to discipline before the people; but in consideration of your standing, we wish to advise you not to...”