The Quraysh were greatly concerned about the case of the Makhzūmi woman who had committed theft.

A woman from Banu Makhzūm used to deceitfully borrow things from people and then deny taking anything. She once borrowed jewelry and denied having taken it. Yet, it was found in her possession. News of this reached the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) who resolved to inflict the prescribed punishment on her, by cutting off her hand. She was a noble woman from an honorable family in the Quraysh.

Therefore, the Quraysh were concerned about her and the ruling to be executed against her. They consulted each other over who should be chosen as an intercessor before the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on her behalf, seeking to relieve her from the punishment. They found no one more qualified than Usāmah ibn Zayd, for he was close and beloved to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). He talked to him.

The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), became extremely angry with Usāmah and rebukingly said: “Would you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?" Then, he stood up and addressed the people to clarify to them the gravity of such intercession that aims at suspending the punishments set by the Almighty Lord. This was also because the matter concerned many of them.

The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) informed them that the past nations were ruined, in terms of their religious and worldly affairs, because they used to inflict the legal punishments upon the poor and the weak and pardon the rich and the powerful. Therefore, chaos, evil, and corruption spread and prevailed among them, and they incurred the wrath of Allah, the Almighty, and deserved His punishment.

In a concluding statement, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) swore that if his daughter Fātimah, the noblest among all women, committed such an act, he would definitely subject her to the legal punishment prescribed by Allah, the Almighty.