ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that Islamic law has a plethora of safeguards against using the death penalty that are found in the Holy Quran. Most scholars of Islamic law refer to the purposes of Shariah, which aims to safeguard five essentials. These are: religion, life, honour, intellect and property. However, according to the Holy Quran, sorcery and homosexuality crimes are not necessarily punishable by death. The chapter discusses that a correct, merciful interpretation of Islamic law is contrary to how it is applied by revolutionary armed militias and Islamist states which send Muslims to be killed in hundreds. It explains Islamic law is quite capable of keeping up with the times, and of adhering to international law and human rights conventions while still retaining its basic elements of Islamic jurisprudence Fiqh. The retribution verses in the Holy Quran always carry a stern warning and rebuke against participating in killings, and always urge parents and/or relatives to forgive.
