Journal of Islamic Law Research

Journal of Islamic Law Research

An Evaluation of the Criminal Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Regarding Ta‘zir Punishments for Offenses Short of Homicide

Type : Research Article

Authors
Mostafa Nasiri 1
Seyyed Ruhollah Mousavi 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Law, Faculty of Humanities, Shahid Motahari University, Tehran, Iran.
2 LLM in Islamic Jurisprudence and Criminal Law, Faculty of Humanities, Shahid Motahari University, Tehran, Iran.
10.30497/law.2025.248104.3745
Abstract
 ‌Context & Objective: In Islamic jurisprudence, Taʿzir encompasses discretionary punishments assigned by judges or rulers for offenses lacking explicit penalties within the Qur'an or Hadith. The Iranian legislature, informed by these principles, has predominantly established Qisas (retaliation) for intentional bodily offenses and Diyya (blood money) for unintentional offenses. However, supplementary Taʿzir punishments have been inconsistently incorporated. This study critically examines Iran’s criminal policy concerning Taʿzir sanctions for bodily offenses short of homicide, aiming to identify legislative coherence, proportionality, and adequacy. It specifically addresses whether current policies effectively prevent impunity and appropriately apply Islamic Fiqh capacities.
 ‌Method & Approach: This research employs a doctrinal methodology complemented by content analysis, focusing explicitly on legislative texts from various periods post-Islamic Revolution. Laws from successive Iranian legislative periods, particularly the Islamic Penal Code of 2013 (1392 SH), are thoroughly examined to assess consistency, proportionality, and comprehensiveness in Taʿzir punishments.
 ‌Findings: The analysis reveals significant inconsistencies and fundamental deficiencies within the existing legal framework. Notably, sanctions are absent for certain intentional bodily offenses when Qisas is either not applicable or waived. Moreover, Article 401 of the 2013 Islamic Penal Code demonstrates evident disproportionality between specific crimes and their corresponding Taʿzir penalties. Additionally, legislative measures for unintentional bodily offenses unjustifiably limit Taʿzir sanctions exclusively to traffic-related injuries, neglecting broader scenarios of similar non-intentional conduct.
 ‌Conclusion: Iran’s current criminal policy regarding Taʿzir punishments for bodily offenses exhibits fundamental flaws, particularly concerning coherence, proportionality, and legislative comprehensiveness. To ensure effectiveness and prevent impunity, revisions are necessary to address existing gaps and inconsistencies. A refined, systematic approach aligning more accurately with Islamic jurisprudential principles and practical demands is essential for the future of Islamic criminal justice system.
Keywords
Criminal Policy
Taʿzir
Bodily Offense
Intentional Offense
Unintentional Offense
Subjects
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  • Received 21 April 2025
  • Accepted 01 June 2025