Journal of Islamic Studies > Volume 25, No. 1, 2013

Repentance Implications for Wavering Punishments:A Comparative Study / Jaber Ismail Ahadjahjh

This research is concerned with the comparative study of the implications of repentance in the case of hudood/hudūd crimes.
It aims to explain the impact of repentance on such crimes from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence. It is methodologically descriptive
and comparative. These are the most important results of the study. Repentance is an urgent requirement. Muslims have to make sincere
repentance. This is meant to reform persistent offenders, and it implies Islam’s care for human nature at the individual and community levels.
Immediate sincere repentance and remorse should be conducive to acceptance by Allah, provided that the offender fulfils related established requirements. Also, the wavering of hudūd punishments, while declaring associated repentance prior to the inVol.vement of the ruler,
evidently indicates the achievement of political allegiance and obedience. Thus, bloodshed can be avoided, human dignity can be preserved,
and the community is saved from possible great evils and wrong-doing. With respect to recommendations, the study recommends that
community members be made aware of hudūd offences. This can be done by means of the media, mosque imams and preachers and
educational institutions. Awareness of the hudūd punishments acts as a strong deterrent, especially at these times, when violations of hudūd
and prohibitions are on the rise. Prevention is more effective than cure.