Is it permissible for a ruler to turn away from one who has confessed to zina (unlawful sexual intercourse), just as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) turned away?

Question : Yes. If there is a representative with you. A ruler, and why would he turn away from him? Is it permissible for our ruler to turn away from someone if they come to him?

Answer : The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) turned away from him either because he doubted his condition, which is why he asked, "Is he insane?" or because he hoped that he might desist from this confession and not complete it, or for some other reason. Therefore, in the story of the woman with whom the hired worker committed zina, he said, "Go, or go early, O Anis, to my wife. If she confesses, stone her without repeating the confession."