Hudud (Prescribed Punishments in Islamic Law)

Definition

Hudud (حدود, singular: hadd) are the fixed punishments prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah for specific serious crimes. The word hadd means 'limit' or 'boundary,' signifying that these are the limits set by Allah that must not be transgressed.

The Hudud Offenses

Theft (Sariqah): Amputation of the hand (Quran 5:38), subject to extremely strict conditions (the stolen item must exceed a minimum value, be taken from a secure place, by a sane adult, with no ambiguity or duress). Fornication/Adultery (Zina): 100 lashes for the unmarried (Quran 24:2); stoning for the married (established by mutawatir Sunnah). Requires four eyewitnesses or confession. False Accusation of Zina (Qadhf): 80 lashes (Quran 24:4). Drinking Intoxicants: 40-80 lashes (established by Sunnah). Highway Robbery (Hirabah): Execution, crucifixion, amputation, or exile depending on severity (Quran 5:33). Apostasy (Riddah): The majority of classical scholars prescribe execution, though the conditions and process are extensively debated.

Strict Conditions

The hudud are surrounded by very strict evidentiary requirements designed to prevent their implementation: the standard of proof is extremely high, any doubt (shubhah) averts the punishment, the accused is given every opportunity to retract a confession, and the judge is encouraged to find reasons to avert the hadd. Umar said: 'It is better for the imam to err in pardoning than to err in punishing.'

Wisdom

The hudud serve as ultimate deterrents for the most destructive crimes against society. In practice, they are rarely applied precisely because the evidentiary requirements are so stringent. Their primary function is deterrence, not frequent enforcement.