Muslim Attitudes Towards Capital Punishment.

Question 1

+ The Qur’an acknowledges that killing as a punishment for murder is not sinful.

Answer 1

The Qur’an acknowledges that killing as a punishment for murder is not sinful. ‘Whoever killed a human being except as punishment for murder or other villainy in the land, shall be deemed as though he has killed all mankind’ (Qur’an 5)

Question 2

+ Muslims believe that God thinks killing is wrong unless for a just cause. (Shari’ah Law)

Answer 2

Muslims believe that God thinks killing is wrong. (Shari’ah Law)

‘You shall not kill any man whom God has forbidden you to kill except for a just cause’ (Shari’ah 17)

Just causes are for deliberate murder and threatening to undermine the authority.

Question 3

+ Muhammad Agreeded w Capital Punishment. (Hadith)

Answer 3

Teachings of Muhammad. (Hadith)

‘If a married Muslim has sex with someone other than his/her partner, then Rajam, stoning to death is the penalty.’

Question 4

+ When the Prophet Muhammad was the ruler of Medina, he himself sentenced people to death for committing murder

Answer 4

If Muhammad permits the death penalty then Muslims may also

Question 5

Four reasons for:

Answer 5

• The Qur’an
• Muslims believe that God thinks killing is wrong unless for a just cause. (Shari’ah Law)
• Muhammad Agreeded w Capital Punishment. (Hadith)
• When the Prophet Muhammad was the ruler of Medina, he himself sentenced people to death for committing murder.

Question 6

The Qur’an teaches that forgiveness is preferred

Answer 6

“Let harm be repaid by an equal harm, though anyone who forgives and puts things right will have his reward from God Himself.” (Surah 42:40)

Question 7

Some countries do not apply Shari’ah law properly

Answer 7

This includes the trial not being fair, and has also been used to oppress women and the poor who receive the most sentences of capital punishment
This goes against the teachings of the Qur’an and therefore capital punishment, in these situations, should not be used

Question 8

The Qur’an says that capital punishment is an option to be considered but is not compulsory

Answer 8

If it is not compulsory then people may use other non-secular reasons for why it should not be allowed, such as it it violates human rights and is proven not to be a deterrent

Question 9

Qur’an permits alternative punishments

Answer 9

The family of a victim is permitted to pardon the criminal and accept a payment of ‘blood money’ from the murderer rather than an execution
This is compatible with the Qur’an and means capital punishment is unnecessary

Question 10

The scholars of Shari’ah law do not agree on when or how the death penalty should be applied

Answer 10

If they are learned in Islamic Law but cannot decide if it is acceptable then it would be safer to not enact the death penalty incase this angers Allah

Question 11

Four reasons against:

Answer 11

The Qur’an teaches that forgiveness is preferred
Some countries do not apply Shari’ah law properly
The Qur’an says that capital punishment is an option to be considered but is not compulsory
The scholars of Shari’ah law do not agree on when or how the death penalty should be applied