therefore, a person is not permitted to strike a child so long as the child can be corrected without hitting. If discipline cannot be achieved except by striking, then he may do so, but only with light, non-injurious blows. Remember the Almighty’s words in Sūrat al-Nisāʾ: “As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, then leave them alone in their beds, and then strike them” (4:34); striking is placed third, and its purpose is correction, not the infliction of pain or suffering.

The author then cites several hadiths, including the report of Abū Masʿūd al-Badri (may Allah be pleased with him). He was once beating his servant when he heard a voice behind him calling, “Abū Masʿūd!” In the heat of anger he did not at first grasp what was being said; then he turned and found that the speaker was the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, who said, “Abū Masʿūd, do you not know that Allah has more power over you than you have over this servant?” In other words, remember Allah’s might, for He is more able over you than you are over him. This point is echoed in the same verse we just quoted: “If they obey you, do not seek a way against them. Indeed Allah is Most High, All-Great” (4:34).

When Abū Masʿūd realised it was the Prophet ﷺ and heard that profound admonition—that Allah’s power over him surpasses his power over the slave—the staff fell from his hand out of reverence for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and he immediately set the servant free. This reflects his sound understanding, for Allah, Most High, says: “Indeed, good deeds erase bad deeds” (11:114). Having wronged the servant, he corrected his wrong by emancipating him. Hence the Prophet ﷺ directed that whoever strikes or slaps his slave, the expiation is to set that slave free, because good deeds erase bad deeds.