NCJ Number
131448
Date Published
1990
Length
38 pages
Annotation
The low rate of crime in Saudi Arabia in comparison to surrounding Moslem countries and world crime rates results from its application of Shariah law which is the divine law of Islam revealed to the prophet Mohammed in the 7th century along with the teachings of the prophet himself.
Abstract
Unlike Western positive laws, Shariah law reflects an expanded view of socio-religious rules based on the principles of prevention, conditioning, bonding, moralizing, and punishment. Shariah does not list all crimes; instead, it relies on a category of prohibitions known as Huddud Allah (God's limitations). Invoking these prohibitions and the mandatory severe punishments strengthens the tendency of believers to avoid criminality. The active practice of Shariah law through the government and the spiritual community maintains the low level of crime in the kingdom. Tables and 19 reference notes