The ruling on postponing the execution of a fixed punishment when a greater harm exists

Question:
The Shaykh: Welcome. Is there a hadith in which they invoke life for the mushaf and the people of the earth?

Answer:
Yes. Yes, if executing the fixed punishment necessitates a greater harm, it is postponed. For example, as they mentioned, in the case of invasion into the lands of the disbelievers, the fixed punishment is postponed for the transgressing Muslim so that this does not cause weakness in the Muslim army. It is postponed for a reason. 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) postponed the fixed punishment in the year of famine; the cutting off of the hand for theft, in the year of famine. 'Umar prohibited the cutting off of the hand for theft because the people had a pressing need and dire necessity to take these things and eat them for the essential sustenance. There may be circumstances in which the execution of the fixed punishment is postponed. It is postponed to prevent [harm], but it is postponed until another suitable time. Yes.