The Islamic Concept of Imprisonment in the Perspective of Legal Laws

Islām, renowned for its ethos of mercy, places a paramount emphasis on justice and kindness, encapsulating the essence of the religion. In Islām, equality prevails among men and women, the affluent and the impoverished, and the needy and the prosperous. The Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) unequivocally condemned cruelty to animals, echoing the compassionate principles of Islām. Furthermore, Islām instills a profound respect for humanity, establishing defined limits even for prisoners, thereby upholding their dignity. This paper scrutinizes the multifaceted aspects of punishment within the Islāmic framework, exploring its meanings, types, Islāmic boundaries, and various modalities. The focus extends to the humane treatment of prisoners as dictated by Shari'ah, emphasizing the significance of respecting their humanity. The study also proffers suggestions for the reform of prison systems, aligning with Islāmic principles and contemporary perspectives on justice and rehabilitation.