The following are the principles of the punishment system :

1) The Muslim is accountable for every action that he/she has performed and for every crime there exists a punishment that is enforced by the State.

Such a principle is important because it not only protects the society, but taking the punishment for such crimes through a court of Shari‘ah removes its punishment in the afterlife. It acts as a kaffara and is a means to repent and seek forgiveness. Muslims need to remember that Allah (swt) knows and will account all the actions. Therefore, it is better to get the punishment in this life and sincerely repent than to face the punishment in the afterlife.

Many of the Muslims during the time of Muhammad (saw) confessed to their crimes that were severely punishable in order that they may avoid the retribution for their actions on the Day of Judgement. It is narrated by Abu Daud when referring to a man who confessed to an illegal sexual act, and was ordered to be stoned to death, Muhammad (saw) said, “He is more agreeable than the fragrance of musk in the eyes of Allah.”.

2) The punishment should be prevented as much as possible.

This applies because the severity of the punishment serves the primary role of a deterrent. Any shred of evidence that is doubtful or circumstantial will prevent the punishment. Indeed it is narrated in the Seerah (life) of Muhammad (saw) how he would exert himself to avert the punishment when individuals asked for the punishment to be implemented upon them. It is narrated that Muhammad (saw) said, “To free someone criminal mistakenly is better than to punish someone innocent mistakenly.” ‘A’isha (ra) narrated, “Ward off punishments as much as you can. If you find any way out for a Muslim then set him free. If the Imam makes a mistake in granting forgiveness it is better for him than that he should commit a mistake in imposing punishment.”.