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What is the ruling of the Sharia on someone who kidnaps, rapes, and kills children in a country that does not implement the rulings of Qisas (retaliation in kind) or cutting off the hand of a thief?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The crimes of kidnapping, robbery, and sodomy are forbidden by Islamic law. They are among the major sins and constitute an assault on lives and honor. They are considered acts of brigandage and spreading corruption in the land, and their perpetrators deserve the severe punishment mentioned by Allah Almighty in the verse of Al-Ma'idah. The Council of Senior Scholars holds that the punishment for brigands is execution, crucifixion, cutting off hands and feet from opposing sides, or exile. The choice among these punishments rests with the judges, unless the brigand has committed murder, in which case execution becomes mandatory. Individuals or groups are not permitted to implement Islamic punishments themselves if these are suspended by the authorities. Rather, it is obligatory to strive to change and forbid evil by hand, tongue, or heart. Students of knowledge and the wise members of society must educate people about the danger of these crimes and the necessity of restraining the oppressors, for tribulations and divine punishments may encompass both the righteous and the wicked if evil becomes widespread and corruption proliferates.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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