The mention of "nor a servant" highlights Islam’s emphasis on worker rights. A master or employer has no right to physical discipline. The Prophet said, "Feed them from what you eat, clothe them from what you wear, and do not burden them beyond their capacity" (Sahih Bukhari 30).
Notably, the hadith does not mention children. Some scholars argue that light, non-harming taps for a child’s discipline (e.g., for missing prayer at age 10) are permissible, following other narrations. However, the overarching principle is mercy. sahih bukhari 5255