Re-reading Ethical Implications in Punitive Verses with Emphasis on the Qiṣāṣ (Retribution) Verses

Document Type : Scholary

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Islamic Law, Bozorgmehr University of Qaenat, Qaen, Iran

2 Faculty Member, Department of Quran and Humanities, Higher Education Complex of Quran and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University,, Qum, Iran

3 Ph.D. Graduate in Islamic Jurisprudence and Law, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

The punitive verses of the Quran, especially the Qiṣāṣ verses, are intertwined with ethical teachings. The allegations of those who cast doubt on the ethical and just nature of Sharia’s penal teachings are completely unfounded when confronted with the content of these verses. The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, adopting a problem-oriented approach, and referring to library resources, is designed to provide an accurate explanation of the ethical nature of the “aḥkām” (rulings) verses, especially those pertaining to Qiṣāṣ. The research reveals that ethical teachings in Qiṣāṣ verses point to a proportionality between crime and punishment. Furthermore, divine teachings, by legislating Qiṣāṣ alongside forgiveness, firstly, are life-giving, both socially and individually; and secondly, by referring to the relationship between the killer and the victim as “Brotherhood,” there is a subtle and ethical indication to encourage the victim’s family to forgive and show compassion. Therefore, it can be stated that what is prominently observed in the Qiṣāṣ verses is that ethics and human values are emphasized, and God has explicitly stated that choosing the path of forgiveness will bring divine satisfaction.

Keywords

References

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The Quran: Contemporary Studies
Volume 4, Issue 11 - Serial Number 11
Fourth year, Number 11, Spring 2025
May 2025
Pages 150-165

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