EVEN WITH A CRIMINAL

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah that a man was brought before the Messenger of God for committing a punishable offense. The legal process was carried out, and it was decided that he would be punished. During this time, one of the people present remarked about the man, “May God disgrace you.” The Prophet replied, “Do not say that, and do not assist Satan against your brother.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 6128)

In Islam, punishment is not administered out of hatred, but solely for the purpose of fulfilling the limits set by God. If the one delivering the punishment develops a sense of superiority over the offender, that too is considered a moral failing. The right to punish belongs only to the person who can rise above emotions of hatred and carry out justice with fairness and humility.

After the prescribed punishment has been carried out, insulting or cursing the criminal adds human punishment to divine punishment, and this is a right no one has. The Prophet’s statement above shows that even when imposing the prescribed punishment, he still had great compassion for the criminal. He did not want the criminal to be affected by the insults of others, which could lead him away from repentance and reform, and instead cause him to turn toward arrogance and rebellion.

This makes it clear who are those individuals who are granted permission by God to stand as overseers over others and to implement the punishments ordained by Him. They are the ones whose love for humanity is so profound that it extends even to wrongdoers. Even in the face of wrongdoing, they do not develop hatred toward the individual. They remain interested in the well-being of every human being—even the offender—out of a spirit of sincere goodwill.