The Judicial System and Punishments of the Islamic State were implemented throughout every period from the time of the Prophet (saw) in Madinah, when he established the first Islamic State. It settled the disputes between the people, protected the legitimate rights of the community, and ensured that those in authority gave the citizens of the State their dues in accordance with the Shari‘ah of Islam. All this it did in a superior manner, such that it was acknowledged by all, the justice and propriety which it conferred upon those who were protected by it.

However, the strength and authority that the judiciary in Islam proffers is not built upon harsh punishments or oppression of the people. Rather, its power lies in the fact that it originates from the Islamic ‘aqeedah which is able to answer all the problems that may arise in life, and that its implementation and the obedience to it are considered as ibadat (worship). In this way, the history has shown that in only a relatively small number of cases did the judiciary have to resort to punishment of the people.

The mentality of obedience to Allah (swt) and disapproval of crime that the systems of the Islamic State - which are an integrated whole and of which the judicial system is one part - inculcates into the people is enough to ensure that justice and harmony in society prevail, and that crime is a fringe activity.