It is best to translate the word as spanking or even better as disciplining rather than hitting.
To infer from this that Islam allows corporal punishment as a method of teaching is repugnant to the spirit of Sunnah as we can safely establish from a close study of the Seerah and the Prophetic traditions.
The Prophet as we learn from his beloved wife `A’ishah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) never hit anyone: neither a man or woman, young or old.” (Ibn Hibban and At-Tabarani)
Anas who accompanied the Prophet (peace be upon him) from the age of ten said, “I served the Messenger of Allah for ten years and yet during the entire course of time not even once he condemned me for any mistake I made!” (At-Tirmidhi and others).
In other words, his method of mentoring was by setting examples, practice, and character.
It is for this reason that Allah orders us to emulate his beautiful examples.
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