ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America) Canada shares on its website the book “Riyad us Saliheen” (“The Gardens of the Righteous” رياض الصالحين) compiled by Imam Zakaruya Yahya Bin Sharaf An-Nawawi, a Sunni Shafi’ite jurist and hadith scholar who lived in 13th century.
Here are excerpts from the book:
INSTRUCTING THE PATIENT’S FAMILY TO BE KIND TO HIM – CONSOLING THE PATIENTS AND SHOWING KINDNESS TO ONE FACING DEATH SENTENCE
[Hadith]: 913. `Imran bin Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A woman belonging to the Juhainah tribe came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) after having conceived from Zina. She submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! I am liable to Hadd (punishment ordained by Allah), so execute it.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) called her guardian and said, “Treat her well and bring her to me after delivery.” He acted accordingly. Then the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded to tie her clothes firmly around her and then stoned her to death. He (PBUH) then offered funeral prayer for her. [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has relevance to the theme of the chapter as we see it. Moreover, it reveals that if a woman becomes pregnant after committing adultery, she will not be subjected to punishment immediately. Instead, the penalty [stoning] will take place after childbirth. This will certainly contribute to the remission of her sins and will also be a factor in offering the funeral prayer for her.