📖Sahih Muslim 2613 a
‘Urwa reported on the authority of his father that Hisham b. Hakim b. Hizam happened to pass by some people in Syria who had been made to stand in the sun and olive-oil was being poured upon their heads. He said: What is this? It was said: They are being punished for (not paying) the Kharaj (the government revenue). Thereupon he said: Allah would punish those who torment people in this world (without any genuine reason).
- This hadith (narration) you have mentioned is a statement of Hisham b. Hakim b. Hizam, who witnessed people being punished for not paying the government revenue called Kharaj. The punishment involved standing in the sun while olive oil was being poured on their heads. Hisham b. Hakim b. Hizam expressed his disapproval of this punishment, stating that Allah would punish those who torment people in this world without any valid reason. His statement implies that punishing people for failing to pay taxes or government revenue in such a cruel and inhumane manner is not acceptable in Islam. The hadith highlights the importance of treating people with kindness, justice, and mercy, even when enforcing the law or collecting taxes. It also emphasizes that Allah will hold accountable those who use their authority to oppress others, and that they will face punishment in this world or the Hereafter.
