and does nothing beyond that, his case is left to the person against whom he went out, and he is not subject to the ruling for a brigand. Success is granted by Allah alone.
Section
Scholars differed concerning the meaning of Allah’s words, Almighty and Majestic:
“Or be crucified” [al-Mā’idah: 33].
Some held that he is to be executed and then crucified, to deter evildoers. This is Ashhab’s position. Others held that he is to be crucified alive and killed on the wooden frame. This is the position of Ibn al-Qāsim and Ibn al-Mājishūn, and the view preferred by Ibn Bukayr. Crucifixion means killing him while he is crucified, so that his blood flows while he is bound to the wooden frame. This derives from their expression “musallab dates,” meaning dates from which a yellow liquid flows. Moreover, Allah has only granted a choice concerning the manner of his execution. Had the choice concerned crucifying him after his execution, He would have said, “that they be killed, or killed and then crucified.” This is clear.
Section
According to those who hold that he is to be executed and then crucified, the funeral prayer is offered over him before crucifixion. Those who hold that he is to be killed on the wooden frame differed concerning the funeral prayer over him. Ibn al-Mājishūn said in al-Wādiha: “He is to be taken down from the wooden frame until dogs and wild beasts devour him. No one, whether a relative or anyone else, is to be allowed to take him down to bury him or offer the funeral prayer over him.” In al-Thamāniya, he said: “A row is formed behind the wooden frame, and the funeral prayer is offered over him while he remains crucified.” This differs from the apparent meaning of his statement in al-Wādiha.
Sahnūn said: “Once he has been killed on the wooden frame, he is taken down and the funeral prayer is offered over him.” Two differing positions are reported from him concerning whether he should then be put back on it to terrorize evildoers. Abū Hanīfah and his companions held that he should not remain on the wooden frame for more than three days, after which he is taken down, because leaving him there longer than three days constitutes mutilation. This time limit is an arbitrary stipulation without evidence or proof.
Section
As for His words:
“Or have their hands and feet cut off on opposite sides” [al-Mā’idah: 33],
they mean that his right hand and left foot are to be amputated. If he reoffends, his left hand and right foot are then amputated. They differed concerning the case where