Approaching the West — Page 177
A pproaching the West—177 the thieves being unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:10). In case of kidnapping, the culprit is surely to be put to death (Exod. 21:16; Deut. 24:7). In Isl ā m, stealing is also considered as a serious offence against society and severe punishments are prescribed, but death is not included. And as for the man who steals and the woman who steals, cut off their hands in retribution of their offence as an exemplary punishment from All ā h. And All ā h is Mighty, Wise. But whoso repents, then will All ā h surely turn to him in mercy; verily, All ā h is Most Forgiving and Merciful. (5:39-40) Thus the door of repentance and reformation is open. Cutting off of the hand may also be taken metaphorically, meaning that the causes for stealing be removed so that he may not repeat the offence. As there are various levels of punishments depending on the seriousness of the crime, the exemplary punishment is to be given only to the habitual culprits. Lesser punishment can be given by the judge keeping the personal or societal environment in which the act of stealing took place. For establishing justice in the society, law of evidence plays an important rule. And truthful testimony is required in every day transactions. A false witness can play havoc for the law-abiding citizens. Hence the commandment ‘Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbor. ’ The Lord hates false witness (Prov. 6:19); and a false witness shall perish (Prov. 21:28). Jesus was put in great trouble because,