Pars Today

Pars Today - The holy Qur'an says, "Whoever kills a soul, without [its being of guilty of] manslaughter or corruption on the earth, is as though he had killed all mankind, and whoever saves a life is as though he had saved all mankind."

Manslaughter, as one of the greatest and most dangerous crimes, has been noticed by all human communities. This crime, which means willful murder of a human being, is strongly condemned in Islam and is considered as an unforgettable sin. The holy Qur'an and the Islamic narrations have repeatedly pointed to the prohibition of manslaughter and harsh punishments have been determined for culprits. Pars Today has cast a look at the position of manslaughter in Islam, its prohibition, social and spiritual effects, and the punishments determined for it:

Prohibition of manslaughter in Islam

Manslaughter has been strongly denounced in Islam and is considered as one of the cardinal sins. The noble Qur'an says in verse 33 of chapter al-Isrā': "Do not kill a soul [whose life] Allah has made inviolable, except with due cause, and whoever is killed wrongfully, We have certainly given his heir an authority. But let him not commit any excess in killing, for he enjoys the support [of law]."

This verse clearly emphasizes the strong prohibition of manslaughter and reminds that the lives of men are respectful and only in certain conditions, based on the divine laws, retribution can be done against a person.

There are numerous narrations from the Prophet and the Infallible Imams of his Ahl al-Bayt (Blessings of God upon them) which deal with this issue seriously. For instance, Imam Sadeq (Peace upon him) says, "On the Day of Resurrection, a man will be brought to another man so that [the first one] stains himself with the other one's blood, while people are being calculated. So the [second] man asks, 'O servant of God! Why did you do behave me like that?' He answers, On such a day you acted against me and killed me.'"

This narration clearly shows the consequences of manslaughter in the Hereafter and stresses the importance of preservation of human life.

Impact of murdering a man in society

Murdering an innocent man has destructive impacts not just on the individual but on the society. The noble Qur'an says, "Whoever kills a soul, without [its being of guilty of] manslaughter or corruption on the earth, is as though he had killed all mankind, and whoever saves a life is as though he had saved all mankind."

This verse refers to the high importance of the lives of human beings and the social impact of murder.  Murdering an individual can set the ground for the collapse of society in future, because the human community is like a single body and harming a member will have negative impacts on the whole community. Moreover, saving the life of an individual is equally valuable, too; and it can lead to strengthening social bonds.

Punishment of murder in Islam and issue of retribution, blood money and pardoning

Islam has determined a severe punishment for manslaughter the most important of which is retribution. Retribution means reciprocation and killing the murderer as the punishment of willful murder. However, Islam stresses pardoning besides retribution. Verse 40 of chapter Shurā of the holy Qur'an reads, "The requital of evil is an evil act like it. So whoever excuses and conciliates, his reward lies with Allah, Indeed He does not like the wrongdoers."

Islam has authorized the blood owner to choose between getting the blood money or pardoning the murderer. This shows the flexibility of Islam in putting justice into action and encouragement of pardoning. Imam Khomeini (God's mercy upon him) says in Tahrir al-Wasilah, "Willful murder objectively causes retribution and does not cause blood money… but the blood owner is authorized to choose between retribution and pardoning."

This emphasis on pardoning reveals the Islamic effort to protect social bonds and encourage peaceful settlement of differences.

Conclusion

Islam has considered manslaughter among the worst cardinal sins and determined severe punishments for it. Yet, Islam always stresses pardoning and forgetting; and gives the blood owner the authority to choose between getting the blood money and pardoning. This is indicative of the depth of philanthropy and justice in Islam. While trying to execute justice in society, Islam always provides chances for reconstruction and reformation of society. Accordingly, it can be said that Islam, while stressing preservation of security and justice, seeks to safeguard social bonds and promote the spirit of pardoning and forgetting.

RM/MG

Key phrases: murder verdict in Islam, murder in Qur'an, terrorism and Islam, Qur'anic view on man, What is retribution?