I'm sure most people have heard the Biblical principle of "an eye for an eye", but they don't believe it applies any more. Besides, "Vengeance is mine", said the Lord. We don't retaliate. We don't demand the right to break someone's arm if that person broke ours, accidentally or not. Most of us allow for forgiveness and mercy, although using legal means to compensate for medical expenses and pain and suffering seems fair and just. Most people feel this way...Muslims don't.
In Islam, Al-Qisas means retaliation and it is a law from allah referred to as The Law of Equality (in punishment). There are Quran verses to support the literal "eye for an eye". It is part of Sharia.
2:178 O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.
2:194 The prohibited month for the prohibited month, - and so for all things prohibited, - there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear God, and know that God is with those who restrain themselves.
16:126 And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.
17:33 Nor take life - which God has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law).
One thing needs to be clarified though concerning "equality" in Islam. Not all people are equal. If they were, Quran 2:178 would say person for person and not free for free, slave for slave and woman for woman. Obviously free and slave people are not equal, but this also shows that women are not considered free or equal to men.
Keep Sharia away from us! The civilized world is no place for savagery and inequality. I also don't like the thought of having a justice system that employs arm breakers, eye takers, or beheaders. Do you?
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