and are deterred, whereas an execution may be forgotten. Some proud souls may even prefer death to having the right hand and left foot amputated, so this serves as a sterner exemplary punishment for him and others like him.
If they brandish weapons without killing anyone or taking any property, then sheathe them and flee (1), or abandon combat (2), they are banished. One view is that banishment means keeping them on the run, so that they are not allowed to take refuge (3) in any town. Another view is that it means imprisonment. A third is that it means whatever the ruler deems most appropriate, whether banishment, imprisonment, or something similar.
The prescribed form of execution is a stroke to the neck with a sword or the like, because this is the swiftest and most decisive (4) of all methods of killing. Allah has likewise ordained that any human or animal whose killing is lawful, when it is within one’s power, be killed in this manner. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: “Allah has prescribed excellence in all things. Thus, when you kill, kill in the best manner; and when you slaughter, slaughter in the best manner. Let each of you sharpen his blade and spare the animal suffering.” Narrated by Muslim (5).
He also said: “The people of faith are the most restrained of all people in the manner of killing.” (6)