An Analysis of the Criterion of Violence and Its Synonymous and Antonymous Expressions in the Verses of Ahkam in the Quran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 قسم الفقه وأصول القانون الإسلامی، کلیة الإلهیات، جامعة سیستان وبلوجستان، زاهدان، إیران.

2 قسم الفقه وأصول الشریعة الإسلامیة، کلیة أصول الدین، جامعة سیستان وبلوشستان، زاهدان، إیران.

3 قسم الفقه وأصول القانون الإسلامی، کلیة الإلهیات، جامعة شهید تشمران الأهواز، الأهواز، إیران.

Abstract

In the modern era, some individuals and groups, including international communities, have sought to denigrate certain terms in the verses of Islamic law, particularly criminal laws such as retribution, amputation, and flogging, labeling them as unethical and promoting violence and extremism. This article employs a descriptive-analytical method to explore Quranic vocabulary concerning violence and emphasizes the necessity of deep understanding and contemplation regarding concepts related to violence to avoid superficial and one-dimensional interpretations. The term “violence” does not appear directly in the Quran; however, terms such as "severity," "harshness," "foulness," and "anger" are among the words that fall within the semantic network of Quranic vocabulary related to violence. In contrast, terms like "tolerance," "forbearance," and "conciliation" emphasize peace and amicable behavior. The findings of this research indicate that while certain degrees of violence are observed in these verses, according to the Quran, violence is only permissible under conditions where other options—such as prevention, forgiveness, and compassion—prove ineffective and is ultimately considered a last resort. The Quran underscores the importance of establishing justice and defending against aggression, asserting that if just goals can be achieved through peaceful methods, there is no need for violence. Nevertheless, the Quran emphasizes that the application of violence against disobedience and oppression must be accompanied by the principles of "rationality" and "ethics."

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