Qisas in Islam: A Law Rooted in Justice, Not Revenge

“And there is life for you in retribution, O people of reason, so that you may become righteous.” Qur’an (Chapter 2, Verse 179)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Qisas, or retribution, stands as one of the most significant and profound rulings in Islamic law. Rooted deeply in the values of justice, deterrence, and social protection, this law has been legislated by the Divine source – Allah – and delivered through His Messenger.

The Qur’an directly refers to the value of Qisas in Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2, Verse 179): “And there is life for you in retribution, O people of reason, so that you may become righteous.” This powerful verse underlines the essence of Qisas – not as a tool of revenge but as a means of preserving life, maintaining order, and establishing justice in society.

Rather than encouraging bloodshed, Qisas aim to prevent it. It recognizes the sanctity of human life and aims to ensure that any unjustified act of killing is met with a fair and just consequence, thereby deterring others from committing similar crimes.

One of the core misunderstandings of Qisas stems from its superficial appearance – the taking of the life of a murderer. However, when observed from a broader perspective, it becomes clear that Qisas serve a higher moral and social purpose. By enforcing a strict and just consequence for murder, Islam seeks to dissuade individuals from committing such crimes in the first place.
Thus, the application of Qisas ultimately results in fewer acts of violence and more lives being preserved.

The implementation of Qisas is not arbitrary. Islamic law emphasizes fairness, precision, and mercy in all legal matters, especially in cases involving life and death. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and the righteous Caliphs after him were known for applying Qisas only after thorough investigations and absolute certainty of guilt.

Islamic jurisprudence requires the presence of concrete evidence, credible witnesses, and adherence to legal procedures before the application of Qisas. It is also important to recognize that Islam encourages forgiveness and reconciliation. In many cases, the family of the victim has the right to pardon the offender, either unconditionally or in exchange for diyah (blood money). This element of choice demonstrates the compassionate and balanced nature of Islamic justice – one that acknowledges human emotions and the possibility of reform and mercy.

Qisas function as a vital pillar in building a just and secure society.
If a truly Islamic government were to be established and Divine laws were implemented correctly, without distortion or bias, the result would be the widespread presence of justice, security, and peace. Under such a system, oppression would be minimized, corruption would decline, and human dignity would be upheld. Social equilibrium would replace chaos, and the rights of the oppressed would be protected with due seriousness.

Moreover, when Sharia is applied in its complete and intended form, it not only addresses the legal aspects of human behavior but also nurtures moral consciousness, spiritual growth, and social cohesion. The society envisioned under the Islamic system is one where justice is not merely a legal term but a lived reality, ensuring that the weak and the vulnerable are not left behind.

Qisas is not a harsh or outdated rule but a divine mechanism to maintain justice, prevent crime, and preserve life. Its application, grounded in wisdom and fairness, promotes a safer and more balanced society. Far from being an act of revenge, Qisas upholds the rights of victims, reinforces the value of human life, and deters potential offenders, ultimately leading to a more just and peaceful world.

SPONSORED

SPONSORED

SPONSORED