Which parts of the body must be avoided during corporal punishment?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Beverages (Intoxicants)
Primary text
In the application of corporal punishment, the areas of the head and the private parts (al-farj) must be avoided for both men and women. This is based on the saying attributed to Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that every part of the body has a share in the punishment except the face and the private parts. The reasoning is that striking the head risks causing permanent damage to hearing, sight, or intellect, or even death, contrary to the intent of admonishment. The face is also avoided because striking it is considered mutilation.
Supporting text
Malik held that only the back and adjacent areas should be struck. Abu Yusuf argued for striking the head because Ali did not explicitly exempt it; however, the ruling against striking the head is established because the head is a vital spot, similar to the face.