Why carry out punishments in public ?

[Amatullah]

(The question most asked today regarding the implementation of this Divine Law is, why in public? And why so severe? > you will find it below in Red)

<b>One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:</b>

Is punishment under sharriah supposed to be exactly as it is stated in the Quran?


I mean if a thief's hand is to be cut, must it be done in a brutal way in public? Or if it was removed in a hospital setting by a qualified medical doctor be acceptable? Is it required that stoning be the method of execution for adultery, or is it enough to execute someone by lethal injection?

.....

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

<b>Answer: </b>

<b> Why carry out punishments in public
</b>

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

<b> Q-1: Is punishment under sharriah supposed to be exactly as it is stated in the Quran?
</b>

If one sincerely believes in Allah and the Last Day, they must decide and judge everything according to the guidance of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws).

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 5 Surah Maidah verse 44 (part) :

(Those who do not judge by the Law which Allah has sent down, are indeed the disbelievers!)

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 5 Surah Maidah verse 45 (part): (Those who do not judge by the Law which Allah has sent down, are indeed the wrong-doers!)

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 5 Surah Maidah verse 47 (part): (Those who do not judge by the Law which Allah has sent down, are indeed the transgressors!)

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 33 Surah Ahzaab verse 36:

(It does not behove a believing man and a believing woman that when Allah and His Messenger have given their decision in a matter, they should exercise an option in that matter of theirs. For whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed into manifest error.)

<b>Q-2: I mean if a thief's hand is to be cut, must it be done in a brutal way in public? Or if it was removed in a hospital setting by a qualified medical doctor be acceptable? Is it required that stoning be the method of execution for adultery, or is it enough to execute someone by lethal injection?
</b>

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 5 Surah Maidah verse 38:

(As for the thief; whether man or woman, cut off the hand of either of them. It is the recompense of what they have earned, and an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.)

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 24 Surah Noor verse 2:

(The woman and the man guilty of fornication, flog each of them with a hundred stripes; and let not pity for them restrain you in regard to a matter prescribed by Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a section of the believers witness the unishment inflicted on them!)

To implement any law and command of Allah; a believer, who truly believes in Allah and the Last Day, must find study and follow, how the Messenger of Allah (saws) understood and implemented the command of Allah. The Messenger of Allah (saws) commanded that the thief’s hand be cut off in public, and the punishment of flogging for the crime of fornication be carried out in public, and the punishment and method of execution for the crime of adultery also be carried out in a public place; where a section of the believers may witness the punishment that a true Islamic society inflicts on those who commit crimes against society and Allah!

<b>Q-2A: Or if it was removed in a hospital setting by a qualified medical doctor be acceptable? </b>


There is no harm, and in fact it would be advisable, that a qualified medical doctor be available to cut the hand of the convicted thief; in the hospital, or in a public square, or in a stadium, etc.; but it must be done in public, where a section of the believers witness the punishment inflicted upon the thief.

<b>Q-2B: Is it required that stoning be the method of execution for adultery, or is it enough to execute someone by lethal injection?
</b>

Allah and His Messenger (saws) have prescribed that stoning to death in public, be the method of execution for the crime of adultery; thus no one has a right to change or alter any judgment decreed by Allah and His Messenger (saws).

A believer may search and study the wisdom, behind each command and law of Allah and His Messenger (saws); so that his heart may be content and he may be able to follow the command of Allah and His Messenger with more conviction. It is the belief of every believer, who sincerely believes in Allah and the Last Day, that each and every command of Allah is based on His Absolute Wisdom and Knowledge; and Allah Subhanah is High and Far Exalted from ever making an error.

The punishment that Allah and His Messenger (saws) prescribe for the sins and crimes one commits in Shariah; is indicative of the displeasure of Allah Subhanah of that crime! The bigger the crime, the bigger the punishment! And in the sight of Allah Subhanah, theft is a crime worthy of cutting the hand of the thief; and adultery is a crime worthy of stoning the criminals to death! That is how displeasing and abominable are these crimes in the sight of Allah Subhanah.

<b>The question most asked today regarding the implementation of this Divine Law is, why in public? And why so severe?
</b>

The society that Allah and His Messenger (saws) want for the believers, requires a particular amount of law, order, honor, sanctity of person and property, peace, and security. The person who, in his full senses, violates these basic principles and rights of humanity, and takes it upon himself to illegally and dishonestly take away from other what does not rightfully belong to him; must know and fear that society will exact a severe, stern, and debasing punishment from him. And the reason it is done in public is so that anyone else, who might be even thinking of violating these sacred rights of humanity; must know and fear the consequences he will have to pay for his crime!

The average person is normally a good, law abiding citizen; who works hard to provide for himself and his family. But some unscrupulous people, who don’t want to live honestly, or earn their living lawfully, want to take away the right of the good citizen by dishonest means! And the fallacy of this modern-ignorant-educated social system is that the society makes laws to help and encourage these unscrupulous, dishonest, and corrupt criminals, at the expense of the honor, peace and security of the decent law-abiding citizen! Only if the punishment for the crimes against humanity are strict and severe, and only if the criminals know the severity of the punishment society will exact from them, and only if they fear the punishment; will the law-abiding, decent, and hard-working citizens be able to live a life of honor, peace, and security!

If we look around the world that we live in today; the normal, decent, honest citizen lives his life in fear for his honor, property, and life! And the criminals have available every tool at their disposal, knowing all too well, what are the consequences if they are caught for their crime. Every government and every law-maker tries to use his wisdom and his capacity to make laws that will help the law-abiding citizens to live a better life; and deter the criminals from committing crimes! Has it worked? Has the crime rate gone down in the world? Has theft reduced? Has fornication and adultery reduced?

When a law-maker of this world decrees that a thief should spend six months in jail, did we ever ask him why six months? Or why three months, or why one year? The law-maker of this world himself is of limited wisdom and knowledge, and will keep on trying his trial-and-error method, until he gets it right! And he will never get it right, till he reaches the decision or judgment that Allah and His Messenger have applied for the crime!

The humane and humble punishments prescribed by man today are worth taking the risk for the criminals; but if the All Wise, All Knowing, Allah’s Laws are applied, would it be worth the risk for the criminals?

We never challenge the laws or regulations made by man; but some of us always challenge each and every law and regulation made by the All Wise, All Knowing, Lord of the worlds!

.....

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan

=================

[Muslimah]

Jazaki Allah khairan for posting this

[radiyah]

Alhamdulilah for this post, and I think no one now can say that Islamic law is not just. Jazaky Allah khayr.

wasalam 'alaykom wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh

[radiyah]

Wrong. I say it is barbaric 7th century savagery. And there are millions of people who agree with me.

Oh really John, here we go again, we becasue we are muslims are barbaric, jews killing palestenians and blowing their homes is not barbaric, America throwinng an atomic bomb on herushima and najazaky is not barbaric, the french and british invading the world and killing millions of muslims is not barbaric, the french and british using Muslim soldiers in their wars against germany and russia is not barbaric, the american nation raised on the ruins of red indians( who mostly were muslims) is not barbaric, russia killing afghanis, chechany's, and whoever came in their way is not barbaric, what is then John?

Islam is only barbaric, and u know why, because we call for worshipping one God only, because we call for high morals, because we have strict rules against killers, adultry, and drunk people, because we want the word of Allah to be spread and his doctrines to be implemented, because we want clean societies, clean from adultry, killing stealing and bribing, Islam is the way of life weather u like it or not, or any other millions or billions of others along with u, and u know what our prophet said that, he said that the non beleivers will be more than the beleivers and that his people, are like a small white hair in a body of an oax. You are like Allah said in his holly book :

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful:



28:47 If (We had) not (sent thee to the Quraish),- in case a calamity should seize them for (the deeds) that their hands have sent forth, they might say: "Our Lord! why didst Thou not sent us an apostle? We should then have followed Thy Signs and been amongst those who believe!"

28:48 But (now), when the Truth has come to them from Ourselves, they say, "Why are not (Signs) sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?" Do they not then reject (the Signs) which were formerly sent to Moses? They say: "Two kinds of sorcery, each assisting the other!" And they say: "For us, we reject all (such things)!"

28:49 Say: "Then bring ye a Book from God, which is a better guide than either of them, that I may follow it! (do), if ye are truthful!"

28:50 But if they hearken not to thee, know that they only follow their own lusts: and who is more astray than one who follow his own lusts, devoid of guidance from God? for God guides not people given to wrong-doing.

So no matter how much proof u read or we try to give u, u will not beleive and at the end you are the loser, but don't think we will give up we will keep defending our relegion with our lives, and still talk out we do not care what happens, or what others say, which I am sure that u will post a sarcastic answer to my post or any others. Again

I will say we all muslims, true muslims will keep on answering back as long as we live, and I would like to use Allah's words here to tell u :

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful:




3:64 Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to God's Will).

3:65 Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel Were not revealed Till after him? Have ye no understanding?

3:66 Ah! Ye are those who fell to disputing (Even) in matters of which ye had some knowledge! but why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no knowledge? It is God Who knows, and ye who know not!

3:67 Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to God's (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with God.

3:68 Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Apostle and those who believe: And God is the Protector of those who have faith.

3:69 It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray (Not you), but themselves, and they do not perceive!

3:70 Ye People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of God, of which ye are (Yourselves) witnesses?

3:71 Ye People of the Book! Why do ye clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth, while ye have knowledge?

So John open your eyes, and stop closing them, and u know I cannot call u really a kafir, u will be a true kaffir only when u die at that stage, because u might revert one day and be a brother for us in Islam, if Allah is willing, and he will if u try and help yourself, and try to look for the truth honestly and not just trying to condemn Islam and the Quran.

Please feel no offense, I have nothing against you, and I still hope and pray for u to c the light.

peace

[Muslimah]

welcome back john:)

[radiyah]

Well, well , John here we go again, anyways as sister Muslima said, Welcome back, and I am still praying for u to c the truth. And I think if u are not really seeking for truth, u would not still be here. and I hope that one day u will c the truth.

Peace

[Amatullah]

John

I think you need to read this again, think before you reply, use your mind not your emotions:

<b>The question most asked today regarding the implementation of this Divine Law is, why in public? And why so severe?
</b>The society that Allah and His Messenger (saws) want for the believers, requires a particular amount of law, order, honor, sanctity of person and property, peace, and security. The person who, in his full senses, violates these basic principles and rights of humanity, and takes it upon himself to illegally and dishonestly take away from other what does not rightfully belong to him; must know and fear that society will exact a severe, stern, and debasing punishment from him. And the reason it is done in public is so that anyone else, who might be even thinking of violating these sacred rights of humanity; must know and fear the consequences he will have to pay for his crime!

The average person is normally a good, law abiding citizen; who works hard to provide for himself and his family. But some unscrupulous people, who don’t want to live honestly, or earn their living lawfully, want to take away the right of the good citizen by dishonest means! And the fallacy of this modern-ignorant-educated social system is that the society makes laws to help and encourage these unscrupulous, dishonest, and corrupt criminals, at the expense of the honor, peace and security of the decent law-abiding citizen! Only if the punishment for the crimes against humanity are strict and severe, and only if the criminals know the severity of the punishment society will exact from them, and only if they fear the punishment; will the law-abiding, decent, and hard-working citizens be able to live a life of honor, peace, and security!

If we look around the world that we live in today; the normal, decent, honest citizen lives his life in fear for his honor, property, and life! And the criminals have available every tool at their disposal, knowing all too well, what are the consequences if they are caught for their crime. Every government and every law-maker tries to use his wisdom and his capacity to make laws that will help the law-abiding citizens to live a better life; and deter the criminals from committing crimes! Has it worked? Has the crime rate gone down in the world? Has theft reduced? Has fornication and adultery reduced?

When a law-maker of this world decrees that a thief should spend six months in jail, did we ever ask him why six months? Or why three months, or why one year? The law-maker of this world himself is of limited wisdom and knowledge, and will keep on trying his trial-and-error method, until he gets it right! And he will never get it right, till he reaches the decision or judgment that Allah and His Messenger have applied for the crime!

.....

We never challenge the laws or regulations made by man; but some of us always challenge each and every law and regulation made by the All Wise, All Knowing, Lord of the worlds!

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="1363" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>
Cutting the hand might sound brutel but the crime of theft is a big enough crime to be punished by cutting off the hand (not the arm, just the hand), also when the hand is cut it is done in non-painful way, they use a very sharp tool, and it can be done by a doctor like the brother said (<span style="font-size:9pt;line-height:100%;">Q-2A: Or if it was removed in a hospital setting by a qualified medical doctor be acceptable? </span>

There is no harm, and in fact it would be advisable, that a qualified medical doctor be available to cut the hand of the convicted thief; in the hospital, or in a public square, or in a stadium, etc.; but it must be done in public, where a section of the believers witness the punishment inflicted upon the thief. )

<b>The point is to stop the person from doing the crime ever again not to torture him. Now if we just put him in prison for few years that is not a strong enough punishment to make him not do it again.</b> especially when he has things that people out of prison have, he is just not free to go where he wants.

John There are many things in Life we don't like but it is good for us, and there are many things in life we like but it is bad for us, let me give you a very simple example:

food .... we like soda and it is bad for us (bad for the gums, teeth ..etc) and it has no benefits, also chips, too much is unhealthy and people like it.

Broccoli and eggplant many might not care for it but it is good for us and it has many benefits.

Also exercising it is very good for us and we need it for good health but many are too lazy and feel it is a hasle.

This life is a test, and Allah does not punish a slave for nothing and without a warning, Allah told us not to steal and take what doesn't belong to us, and He told us what the punishment is for doing that, so if someone insists on doing if after knowing the ruling on it and its punishment, well, he asked for it.

Maybe you never had anything that belongs to you stolen or have someone you love killed, but many others did and it is very painful and it ruined other peoples lives and made them live in fear.

Maybe you don't care to have a peaceful safe society but me and many many others do, I don't want to live fearing that my house be robbed or my child getting kidnaped or one of my loved ones getting killed or me getting raped (Allah forbid)....etc.

Have the man made laws solved the issue of crime?

No... and the societies that go by man made laws are a proof of that.

They put a theif or a killer in prison for 10 years or less! , then when he is out he does it again ! and that happens.

Question to you John:

How would you feel if a killer who was put in prison for few years then let out killed someone you loved after he came out of prison?

I ask Allah to guide you to the right path.

</div></blockquote>

[Amatullah]

you bring forward the most violent of circumstances in your argument, murder, rape kidnapping etc

Well, the severe punishments are for most violent crimes.

Other less violent crimes have less punishments, and majority of people would not get these punishments because majority are law-abiding, decent, and hard-working citizens, the ones who get it are a minority.

And I don't know why you mention (the poor, ignorant and women), you think the rich and men don't get punished ??

Well you are wrong, because there is no difference, rich or poor, women or man.

Also, I don't know where you got this (gauging eyes out) from, I never heard of it.

And for your info, it is not just blind faith, we Muslims don't just believe with faith, conviction has a big role in our belief, and I believe this is best way to keep crime almost to 0%, and for most people who are law-abiding citizens to live in peace, and to keep society clean.

If a man or woman insist on causing corruption on earth, and terrify people and make them live in fear for their properity and lives, then they diserve the punishment they get, all they do is cause distruction on earth.

They were warned, and there is no reason for them to do such horrible crimes and make other peoples lives misearble and insist on it except their evilness and love of corruption, no one forced them to do those crimes.

Allah does not love who do mischief .

Allah said (translation of the meaning): "

But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts). (28:77)


" and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know."
(2:216)

I am not here to argue or to force my belief on anyone, there is no compulsion in Islam, we are just explaining the ruling and wisdom behind it , our duty is to spread the message of Islam, and Allah is the one who guides the hearts.

May Allah guide you to the right path.

[spider]

Asalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I've read this post a few times and what I find remarkable is not once does the author state that for the punishments to actually be carried out, there are many criteria to be met.

For example, the punishment for adultery is stoning to death - providing there is a <b>confession</b> from the guilty party OR <b>four witnesses</b> to the ACTUAL act of penetration. Furthermore, if someone confesses and then retracts their confession, the punishment of stoning is not to take place.

For stealing - the punishment is amputation of the hand providing there is a <b>confession</b> or <b>two witnesses </b>to the act such that according to the witnesses there is no doubt that the person accused was in the act of stealing. The punishment is also only to take place if the value of the stolen goods is over certain amount (I cannot off the top of my head remember the amount but inshaAllah, time permitting I can find this is anyone is interested). If my memory serves me correctly, I think in this day and age, it works out to be over $300 (US).

If I have time, I can find a link for anyone interested inshaAllah.

-spider

[Muslimah]

Jazaki Allah khairan spider

but John already received full explanation on this specially on the zina part. He is aware of the conditions for the punishment to take place. Yet it will be still beneficial for all of us to have more info.