NCJ Number
87252
Date Published
1980
Length
36 pages
Annotation
The Islamic Sharia (Muslim moral and religious teachings) contributes to crime prevention by imparting a sound moral education to Muslims and structuring society to reduce temptations to crime.
Abstract
The teaching to 'enjoin the good and refrain from evil deeds' is one of the most influential Islamic doctrines in teaching the Muslims to abide by God's commandments and refrain from crime. Because of strict adherence to Sharia in Saudia Arabia, there is little crime in the country. One of the most important features of the teaching of 'enjoining what is good' is the inculcating of a firm belief in life after death, Hell, Paradise, and Purgatory, as well as belief that happiness depends on God's displeasure and pleasure. This spiritual deterrence against crime is much more powerful than the deterrence provided by human laws and punishments. The Sharia forbids a person to consume alcoholic beverages, which in turn prevents those crimes that stem from alcohol abuse. Further, the Sharia counters sexual aggression by prohibiting women from displaying themselves in front of male strangers and enjoins them to be modest in their speech lest they provoke men to commit sexual offenses. Another moral ideal of the Sharia is the separation of women from men. When men and women are not permitted to be together in private unless they are married, then sexual offenses are prevented from occurring. Comments on the paper by symposium participants are presented.