A Comparative Analysis of the Anti-crime Principles and Laws of the State of Medina with the laws of Pakistan and Western Countries.
Abstract
Crime prevention has remained a fundamental issue of human society in every era. Human history bears witness to the fact that whenever a society ignored the rule of law or failed to fulfill the requirements of justice, disorder, oppression, and chaos took root. The Holy Qur’an has clearly articulated the principles of crime prevention, which are founded upon justice, fairness, piety (taqwa), and social balance. These principles include qisas (retribution), punishment for theft, punishment for adultery, prohibition of bribery and oppression, protection of the rights of orphans and vulnerable groups, honesty in weights and measures, and the prevention of fasad fi al-ard (corruption and disorder on earth). The objective of all these injunctions is not merely to punish, but to restrain people from evil, reform their character, and establish a peaceful society.In contrast, crime prevention laws in Western countries are mostly formulated on the basis of human reason, empirical experience, and changing social conditions. Religious values do not play a direct role in the formation of these laws; instead, secular principles serve as their foundation. Western legal systems focus on proportionality between crime and punishment, respect for human rights, and modern scientific and sociological research. However, their moral and spiritual dimensions appear relatively weak, as these laws are devoid of divine guidance.A comparative study of Islamic and Western legal systems is important because, apparently, both share similar objectives: protecting society from crime, establishing justice, and safeguarding human life and property. Nevertheless, there is a clear difference in their methods. In Islamic law, crime prevention is linked to accountability in the Hereafter and obedience to divine commands, whereas in Western law it is confined to worldly order and state regulation. For this reason, Islamic laws are more comprehensive and enduring, as they emphasize the purification of the inner self along with regulating outward behavior.This research focuses on a comparative examination of how the principles and laws of crime prevention have been implemented differently in the Islamic system and Western legal frameworks, what outcomes have resulted from these implementations, and which of the two systems is more effective for human welfare and survival. This analysis is not limited to legal aspects alone; rather, it also considers moral, social, and psychological effects in order to present a comprehensive and multidimensional picture.
Keyword: State of Medina, Pakistan, Western countries, principles and laws, comparison, analysis, comprehensiveness.
