Is the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, included in the legislation or excluded from it, and can he carry out the Hadd punishment on the fornicator directly, or does he need four witnesses?

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was bound by the same laws he prescribed for his nation, and his rulings did not differ from those of his nation except in matters specifically granted to him by Allah and for which there was evidence, such as the permissibility of marrying more than four wives. As for the issue of ruling based on one's own knowledge, it is not among his specific prerogatives; rather, evidence indicates that he did not rule based on his knowledge, but rather based on clear proofs. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Had I been one to stone anyone without clear proof, I would have stoned this one." His restraint was due to the absence of legal proof, despite his knowledge of her deserving the punishment.