Lapidation (Stoning) in Islam
Definition
Lapidation, also known as stoning, is a form of capital punishment whereby a group of people throw stones at a person until the person dies. In some interpretations of Islamic law (Sharia), lapidation is prescribed as a punishment for certain crimes, particularly adultery (zina) committed by married individuals.
Etymology
The term lapidation derives from the Latin word “lapidare,” which means “to throw stones.” The root word “lapis” means “stone.”
In Arabic, the term commonly used is rajm (رجم), which literally translates to “stoning.” In Turkish, the act is referred to as taşlama.
Islamic Jurisprudence and Sources
Lapidation is mentioned in various Hadiths—reports of the sayings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—but it is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an. The punishment is said to be rooted in earlier religious texts, including Jewish law, which also prescribed stoning for certain offenses.
Key Sources on Lapidation in Islamic Law:
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Qur’an: The Qur’an does not explicitly prescribe stoning for any crime. The verses related to zina prescribe flogging:
- “The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication, flog each of them with a hundred stripes…” (Qur’an 24:2)
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Hadith: Several Hadiths narrated by companions of the Prophet include references to stoning as a punishment for adultery. The most commonly cited collections include Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
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Fiqh: Jurisprudential texts of various Islamic schools of thought (e.g., Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) discuss the conditions and regulations for implementing hudud punishments, including stoning.
Historical Context
Lapidation as a method of execution has deep historical roots extending beyond Islam. It was practiced in Jewish law and other ancient cultures. Within the Islamic tradition, some early Islamic communities implemented stoning based on their understanding of the Prophet’s practices.
Modern Perspectives and Debates
In the contemporary Muslim world, the practice of stoning is highly controversial. The majority of Muslim-majority countries do not implement stoning. However, some countries with strict interpretations of Sharia law, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, have retained this practice. Modern Islamic scholars and human rights organizations widely debate the ethical and human rights implications of such punishments.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Concept of Justice in Islam” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Joseph Schacht
- “The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Law” edited by Anver M. Emon and Rumee Ahmed
Takeaways
- Lapidation is a historical form of punishment mentioned in Islamic and pre-Islamic texts.
- It is derived from the Latin word “lapidare,” meaning “to throw stones.”
- Though rooted in Hadith literature, it is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an.
- The practice is highly controversial and debated in modern times within the Muslim world.
Conclusion
The concept of lapidation, while historically rooted in Islamic and pre-Islamic traditions, continues to be a subject of intense debate within Islamic and global contexts. Understanding the etymology, jurisprudential sources, and modern perspectives can provide a comprehensive view of this complex and controversial aspect of Islamic law.
