Understanding Islam — Page 192
WHAT IS SHARIAH? 190 upon as completely against the norm that is keeping the social equilibrium, that is the scenario when some of these harsh punishments can be meted out in certain cases. Without the fulfillment of this condition in a society, as described above, if such punishments are given effect to, there would be much injustice and it cannot be attributed to the teachings of Islam. Islam condemns such injustices. For instance, if a person steals because hunger compels him, no such punishment is to be meted out to him. 10 It was in the context of having created such a society that Prophet Muhammad sa is reported to have said: The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever. 11 This is not a reference to a prison made out of coercion. On the contrary, this is a metaphorical “prison” of self-restraint and piety that is self- imposed by a devout Muslim on his or her own self, to keep away from all immoral, illegal, and