Law of Murder under Islamic Criminal Law: An Analysis

Abstract

Islam considers murder to be the most heinous crime against a person. The blood of a human being is sacred in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) reportedly stated that the first act of Allah on the Day of Judgment would be to punish murderers by making them suffer the torment of Hell. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at his last pilgrimage declared that the blood of human being, their property and prestige are as sacred as the city of Haram of Makkah and the day of Arafah. Undoubtedly the greatest crime known to mankind is murder. It has been punishable under all systems of law since early in the history of mankind and throughout the ages up to the present. This article explores the law of murder and its punishment under Islamic criminal law. It also examines the origin of punishment and way of proving of Islamic criminal law of murder.

Keywords: Islamic Criminal Law, Homicide, Punishment of Islamic Law, Retaliation, Blood-money.