Is it obligatory for the imam to witness the execution of a hadd?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
The questioner : Does the statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Anas Sahih al-Bukhari 2314, 2315 not indicate that the imam did not witness this stoning?
The Shaykh : Yes, it is not obligatory for the imam to be present; the imam’s presence is not required. However, the execution of the punishment, or the order to execute it, is the responsibility of the imam.
O Unais! Go to the wife of this (man) and if she confesses (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse), then stone her to death.
اغد يا أنيس إلى امرأة هذا فإن اعترفت فارجمهاThe Shaykh : Yes, it is not obligatory for the imam to be present; the imam’s presence is not required. However, the execution of the punishment, or the order to execute it, is the responsibility of the imam.