Analysis of the Application of Qiṣās in Murder Cases: A Normative Study of the Views of the Four Schools of Thought
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35335/emtjxt07Keywords:
Qiṣās, Islamic Criminal Law, Diyya (Blood Money), Four Schools of Thought, Human Rights CompatibilityAbstract
This research examines the application of Qiṣās (retributive justice) in cases of intentional murder from the perspective of Islamic law, with a specific focus on the normative interpretations offered by the four major Sunni schools of thought: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. The study explores the doctrinal foundations, conditions, and limitations of implementing Qiṣās, including the role of Diyya (blood money), the evidentiary standards, and the discretionary power given to the victim’s heirs to seek retribution or forgiveness. Through a qualitative doctrinal approach, this research analyzes classical jurisprudential texts and contemporary legal practices in Muslim-majority countries. It also evaluates the implications of Qiṣās in relation to modern human rights standards, particularly issues of equality, justice, and the right to life. The findings indicate that while Qiṣās remains a central tenet of Islamic criminal law, its application varies across schools and requires contextual reinterpretation to align with current legal and ethical frameworks. The study concludes that harmonizing traditional Islamic principles with international human rights norms is both possible and necessary for justice systems in Muslim societies today.References
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