To live in constant fear of being attacked or robbed is surely an unacceptable state of affairs. The thoughts and ideas that are prevalent in the society around us affect the way people behave and in this society people are constantly motivated to increase their wealth and become prosperous. But, when this is combined with the notion of freedom, a dangerous cocktail is made. People then put no limits for themselves on how to achieve these aims, and crime is an easy way to fulfil them.

This has come to the extent that it is not only a few evil people who resort to preying on the innocent in this way. Crime in the West is escalating uncontrollably. Burglary, mugging, theft, rape and cheating are all dangers which are taken for granted. It seems that the feeling of the whole society is that ‘if you can get away with it, do it.’ This is even moreso among the rich and the powerful, who use their authority mercilessly over the poor and the weak. And so, people feel that almost no-one is trustworthy anymore.

The measures that are taken to counteract this deadly tide are wholly inadequate. Criminals mock at the possible consequences of their actions, and many come out of short prison sentences to offend again. Victims feel that to get justice from the current legal system is virtually hopeless.

All this inevitably results from a judicial system that is man-made and a society which is governed by people’s whims and desires.

In Islam, individuals are naturally inclined away from crime, because their belief and fear of Allah’s (swt) punishment prevent them from committing it. As well, the attitude in society towards crime is one of total rejection. Friends and families will never be pleased or impressed by wealth that is gained in dubious ways. As well, the Economic System will ensure that people are not forced to resort to crime as a means of survival. These factors will automatically check the levels of crime in an Islamic State.

As the last resort, the Islamic State has a comprehensive judicial system which acts as a deterrent to criminals, and to reform those who have gone astray. Harsh punishments for those who are proven to be guilty of crimes are effective measures against it. After all, if you see someone walking around with only one hand because he had been a thief, how would you feel?

Even so, you will see that the aim of Justice in Islam is not to punish the people as much as possible, rather it is to guarantee the rights and the security of the people. The Islamic State successfully did this for over 1300 years, only rarely having to resort to punishing anyone.