A critical review of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's thought on "Rajm" (Arabic, رجم)

"سرسید احمد خان کی فکر کا تنقیدی جائزہ "رجم

Abstract

According to Islamic law, adultery by married men and women is punishable by stoning. Some Muslim intellectuals, however, have rejected the lynching and instead offered alternative explanations and interpretations. Among them is Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who has argued that the "Rajm" is not Shariah-compliant for logical reasons. Despite some issues, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's book "Al-khutbat-ul- ahmadiya fil-arab wal seerat-ul- mohammadiya" is a valuable effort in which he succinctly addresses 

criticismsof the Prophet's biography made by Orientalists, especially Sir William Mayur. However, one of the issues on which Sir Syed has expressed an opinion that is different from tht of the Muslim Ummah is the "Rajm of Zani Muhsan." (adulterer who is married). In the significant scholarly debate around  the Rajm conundrum, which has brought up a number of problems and worries, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan is regarded as a source.It is necessary to clarify Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's concern and his analytical approach to this matter. To achieve this goal, this topic has been chosen. This  research article  gives a critical examination based on the opinions of Islamic scholars, authentic Hadiths, and jurists' interpretations by presenting the late Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's perspective on Rajm Zani Muhsen.