Killing unjustly (An Islamic Perspective)

Dominica has been blessed up till now with a relatively low crime rate as compared to many other islands in the region. We should not be complacent however and rely on past statistics in order to live in delusion that things will always stay the same. Globally, the crime epidemic is plaguing countries all over the world and the Caribbean is no exception. No doubt, everyone these days is well informed through the media of the seemingly repetitive reports of the taking of innocent lives. We see this on television so regularly, that some have perhaps become numbed by the severity of such a crime.

Many others, especially among the youth and those who are easily misled have begun to think of murder as a way to gain acceptance and respect among their peers.

All praise to Allah who has given the Muslim guidance in all of his affairs, and who has showed us a way of life and a personality that is not swayed by current, popular trends whatever shape or form these may take.

One who reads and ponders on the verses revealed in the Qur’an will know how killing first began with the sons of Adam, Cain and Abel, (Qaabeel and Haabeel). In addition, the texts of the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah are very clear about the seriousness of this crime. Allah has reminded us in His Glorious Book of the grievous nature of taking a life unjustly in many verses such as His statement:

Imam al Qurtubi said in his explanation of the above verse of the Holy Quran

The Scholar of Tafseer Ibn Katheer mentioned a statement of Ibn Masood in which he said:

Surah al-Israa 17:23-39 also contains similar guidelines and that some scholars have likened to the ten-commandments mentioned in the Bible. Another example of a verse of the Qur’an which severely condemns the taking of an innocent believer’s life is the statement of Allah:

Although this verse speaks specifically of killing a fellow Muslim, there are other specific guidelines regarding taking the life of the innocent regardless of their religion. One such statement is what was reported from the Messenger ﷺ on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet said

One of the things that some of our readers may question is the term “unjustly”. We say yes, Islam has legislated that in some circumstances taking a life becomes permissible such as in the case of the recompense of a murder or in war, but this is because Allah the Most Wise knows His creation and what is beneficial for them.

How many crimes have been committed by states or individuals where endless lives have been lost? One only has to listen to the daily news to remind himself of this reality. In order to curb murder and killing, Allah has legislated that the one who takes a life must himself pay with his own. That is the right of the victim’s family.

What we see occurring however in societies which have not applied the laws of Allah in regards to capital punishment is that killing is rampant on their streets and murderers go free without impunity. Safety and security are some of the fundamental goals of a peaceful and productive society and so the Most High has legislated the law of Qisas.

The rules surrounding this law are that it is the head of state who has the authority to order the death of the murderer and not individuals by themselves. This is in order to prevent chaos and vandalism. In addition the crime must have been deliberate and not accidental which follows a different ruling. The final part of this verse states that legal retribution is saving of a life.

So someone may ask; “How can taking the life of the criminal lead to saving of life?” The answer to that is that the law of punishment which Islam has legislated is a deterrent that would make the person who wants to kill think twice as he knows that if he kills, then a similar fate awaits him.

As for the man-made laws that govern most countries today, we find that crime is widespread because criminals know that they can get away with such crimes and so there is no fear in murdering others.

In Islam, there are three options on the table for someone who murders.

• He is to be killed
• He can pay blood money
• He can be forgiven by the relatives of the deceased.

These options were mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by Abu Shurayh al-Khuzaa’i in the Sunan of Abu Dawood 4496.

Killing unjustly in Islam is one of the major sins that our noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned us about in his statement: