Criminalization of Torture in Islamic Legal Sources with Emphasis on the Four Shi'a Evidences

Abstract

Torture is among the most significant crimes against human rights. The basis for the illegitimacy of this act lies in the affront to human dignity. Both the Convention Against Torture and the regulations governing torture in Islamic and Iranian law regard torture as an inhumane act that is contrary to human dignity and honor, and they prohibit its commission. However, there are significant differences in both the definition and the manifestations of torture between Islamic law and international documents. Although the Iranian Constitution prohibits all forms of torture, whether physical or psychological, the Islamic Penal Code only prescribes punishment for physical torture. On the other hand, in Iranian law, certain corporal punishments such as stoning, amputation, and flogging exist, which, according to the Committee Against Torture, are considered forms of torture. In general, any form of oppression, injustice, murder, aggression, violation, torment, harassment, insult, humiliation, degradation, or harm without cause to others or oneself that results in physical or psychological harm or distress is absolutely forbidden in Islam, and the perpetrator is deserving of punishment. Islamic sources such as the Quran, Sunnah, intellect, and consensus clearly indicate the prohibition of torment, torture, and the violation of human dignity.