Islamic Psychology Criminology

CONTENT LIST
- 1-Introduction.
- 2- Islamic perspectives and Islamic theory.
- 3-The Islamic Ethical framework.
- 4- Roots and causes of crime according to Psychology and
Islam.
- 5-Islamic approaches to crime preventions.
- 6- Crime and justice through Islam.
- 7- Case studies.
- 8- Conclusions.

INTRODUCTION
Islamic Psychology Criminology
• Islamic Psychology discusses the concepts
like Qalb (Heart), Ruh (Soul), nafs (Psyche),
Aql (Intellect) and Iradah (Will).
• Islamic psychology or ʿilm al-nafs (Arabic:
‫النفس‬ ‫علم‬
)
, the science of the nafs ("self" or
"psyche"), is the medical and philosophical
study of the psyche from an Islamic
perspective and addresses topics in
psychology, neuroscience, philosophy of
mind, and psychiatry as well as
psychosomatic medicine.
• The study of the views, thoughts, intentions,
actions and reactions of criminals and
suspects.

History
Islamic Psychology Criminology
• Ibn Sina (981 - 1037 CE) was the major
influence upon the history of Islamic
psychology, taking the ideas of the Greek
philosophers and adapting them to fit
Islamic doctrine. He began with
Aristotle's idea that humans possessed
three types of soul, the vegetative,
animal and rational psyches.
• Criminal psychology started the late 18th
century. There were four key aspects of
the development of criminal psychology:
philosophical, medical, legal and
biological. Before criminal psychology,
there was a conflict in criminal law
between medical experts and court
judges on determining how to proceed
with a majority of cases which
specialized the development of a
specialized field for individual
investigations and assessments of

Concept & Role of Crime in Islam
• Crime under Islamic law consists of any disobedience to God's
commandments which is punishable in this world through the legislator.
• The Islamic Psychology line integrates traditional Islamic principles and
psychology to develop an Islamically orientated approach to psychotherapy.
It aims to bridge modern psychology and Islamic principles to destigmatize
mental health.

Islamic Philosophy of Human Nature
• Islam teaches that human beings are born in a state of purity, as well as with a
natural moral sense that enables one to differentiate between what is good
and what is not.
• All the theories of criminality, propounded by the Western Criminologists,
originate from the distorted vision of human nature, based on ‘’ Trail and Error
Method ‘’.
• The answer of every question would automatically leads us to understand the
basic postulates of ‘’ Islamic Theory of Criminality “

Islamic Theory of Criminality
• The Islamic terminology, ‘’Al-Fitrah’’ means creation and signifies the concept of human nature.
An eminent muslin scholar, Imam Raghib Asfahani says;
‘’Nature--- it is to create and originate a thing alongwith an apparent capacity of performing any
act!’’
• Thus, human nature is nothing but the capability and competency of adopting any particular
conduct, positive or negative, vested in a person at the time of his creation.
• As Hazarat Muhammad(SAWW) said;
‘’ Every child is born on the right nature”
• Fitrat-e-Saleemah or the right path is vested in the creation of every child. It means that every
child is born with the potential of fair thinking and fair doing. The right conduct and expediency is
the dominant character of every human nature and that is right path as mentioned in Qur’naic
verse, weather the child takes birth in the muslim or in the non-muslims.

Conti….
• All created beings, He (said), were the off-springs of Hazarat Adam(AS) and the very existence
of Hazarat Adam was from dust. Hence all claims to superiority, discrimination and
greatness, all demands for blood and ransom, and false traits or trends of rules have been
trodden under my feet.
• After studying this comprehensive quotations , no doubts should remain in any mind
regarding the equal, unexceptional, and indiscriminatory attitude of Islam towards human
beings and their creation.
• Thus, it is absolutely false and baseless to say that some of the human beings were created
with bad nature, or were given birth with inherited criminal tendencies.
• In view of Quran and Hadith, human nature is absolutely free of all bad potentials and wrong
tendencies , and no criminal characteristics inherent in it.

Islam and Biological School of
Criminology
• Lombrosians and Freudians throw their responsibility of crime on nature, whereas Islam declares
the nature is perfectly good and the seeds of criminality are not born but self-sown during the life
of an individual. The theory of inborn criminality advanced by the Biological school of
criminologists, is absolutely Wrong and does not find any place in Islamic philosophy of
criminality.
• It is very strongly asserted by the Holy Prophet(SAWW);
‘’ Don’t blame time (nature or fate), indeed nature itself is God (viz is rightly created by Allah.’’
• The concept of bad human nature or inborn criminality is extremely inconsistent with the basic
philosophy and purpose of creation of man and universe, as expounded by Quran. Thus the
criminal behavior of a delinquent is neither inherited nor ingrained in his nature. Human nature
is good for all purpose and one cannot be immune from criminal liability on the basis of these
lame excuses.

Aspects of Human Personality
Potential Nature Actual Nature
• It signifies the consciences and urges, ingrained
in human soul, regarding the pursuit of highest
ideal, on the basis of which man is known as
Ahsan-i-Taqweem.
• Four in number;
i. Vise and Virtue.
ii. Acknowledgment of Existence of God.
iii. Insight of process of mind.
iv. Sense of responsibility of trust.
• It is apparently perceived through various desires
and it corresponds to some materialistic instincts
and ambitions.
• Instinctive urges;
i. Propensity of sexual satisfaction.
ii. Propensity of racial preservation.
iii. Propensity of monetary gains and hoarding.
iv. Propensity of self-regarding (directed to
collect power and maintain status)
 Human conducts determined through these desires and ambitions, that is Actual Nature, is known as
Self-regarding Conduct, whereas the instincts and urges ingrained in the Potential Nature of man
produce the Social Conduct. The former represents the temptation of the desire, and the latter, or
sense of duty. The conflicts between desire and duty exists in human mind due to the two fold capacity
of human nature.

Over-coming Conflicts
1. To follow the urges of potential nature by
neglecting the other nature completely.
1 . It is not appreciated by Islam, because it leads to
extreme, that is Rah-baniyyah.
2. To follow the urges of Actual Nature by neglecting
the former completely.
2 . It leads to complete destruction of human
personality. Therefore, this is also disapproved.
3. To develop the Potential Nature and enable it to
control the other nature.
3 . It is the only ideal one to over come the conflicts
by developing the Potential nature into a living force
and dominate and control the Actual nature, thus the
conflicts between the sense of duty and temptation of
desire is resolved in positive form.
4. To develop the Actual Nature and enable it to
control the former
4. Its directed to negative perspectives of personality
which can amount the moral decay.
5. To create such balance between the two as
allows none of them to dominate the other.
5. It doesn’t provide a profound and protected base
for the development of Nobel values.
• Man is free to act in compliance of either of these promptings. A regular human conduct means to choose
any specific direction of act, which is not possible except by overcoming the existing conflicts. The conflicts
can be over-come in five ways;

CONCLUSION
Therefore, the whole development of knowledge in this field has been in the
direction of Trail and Error, whereas; the revealed Divine Guidance, that is
undoubtedly certain and definite forever has to provide the concept of Essential
goodness of human nature and nullified the idea of inborn criminality or
atavistic reversion of man towards animalistic characteristics.
Man being moral agent, is free to accept and develop the influence of either of
their instincts. What else he adopts, he is supposed to be responsible for that,
and if he deprived of such free conduct, due to some physical or mental
disability, his criminal and sinual liability is suspended. Hence, criminality can
not be accepted as ingrained character of human nature.

Islamic Ethical Frame work
• Islamic ethical framework emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, accountability,
and moral values in shaping behavior and decision-making. In the context of crime psychology, this
framework can be applied to understand the factors that lead individuals to engage in criminal
behavior and to develop effective interventions to prevent and treat criminal behavior.
 Some important Islamic ethical framework in criminal psychology;
1. Islamic ethics is based on a comprehensive and holistic approach to understanding and addressing
criminal behavior. It emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, accountability, and moral
values in shaping behavior and decision-making.
2. Justice is a key principle in Islamic ethics. It is seen as a fundamental principle that underpins all
aspects of society. In the context of criminal psychology, this principle can be applied to ensure that
individuals who have been victimized receive justice and that perpetrators of crimes are held
accountable for their actions.
.

CONTI….
3. Forgiveness is another important principle in Islamic ethics. It emphasizes the importance of showing
compassion and mercy towards others, even in cases where they have committed crimes. In the context
of criminal psychology, this principle can be applied to promote rehabilitation and forgiveness for
individuals who have committed crimes, while also ensuring that justice is served.
4. The Islamic perspective on crime emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and
accountability. This principle emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and
making amends for any harm that has been caused.
5. Punishment is seen as a means of restoring justice and promoting rehabilitation in Islamic ethics. It is
not meant to be retributive or vengeful, but rather to promote healing and recovery for both the victim
and the perpetrator.
6. The Islamic perspective on mental health emphasizes the importance of seeking treatment and
support for mental health issues. This principle can be applied in the context of criminal psychology to
promote the development of effective interventions to prevent and treat criminal behavior.

CONTI….
7. The principles of Islamic ethics can be applied in the development of effective interventions to
prevent and treat criminal behavior. This can include interventions that promote rehabilitation and
forgiveness, as well as those that emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and
accountability.
8. Incorporating Islamic ethics in criminal psychology can help to promote a more just and equitable
society. By emphasizing the importance of justice, forgiveness, personal responsibility, and
accountability, Islamic ethics can help to promote a more compassionate and empathetic approach to
criminal psychology
 Conclusion:
Islamic ethics in criminal psychology place a strong emphasis on the value of fairness, mercy, duty of
care, and personal responsibility. It is founded on a thorough and all-encompassing strategy for
identifying and dealing with criminal behavior.

Roots and Causes of Crime
Some of the main reasons for people committing crimes include:-
•Poverty:-
poverty is likely to lead many people to crime. Many of the people convicted of shoplifting
food are stealing it to feed themselves and their family.
•Upbringing:-
There is clear evidence that upbringing and family background have a major effect on the
likelihood of people committing crimes. In a survey done of the prison population in 2011,
37% of prisoners reported having family members who had been in prison.
•Drugs:-
Research has proven that many acquisitive crime is committed by users of heroine and
crack cocaine trying to pay for their drugs. For other crimes such as murders,
manslaughter, stabbings and half of domestic assaults, alcohol is more of an influence.
•Low self-esteem:-
It is believed that there is a link between low self-esteem and criminal offending.

Muslims Attitudes towards Crime
•Islam tries to deal with the issues of poverty in both a religious and a political way.
Islam bans the use of interest, which is believed to make the poverty of many poor
people worst. They also encourage Muslims to share their wealth.
•Muslim parents are expected to teach their children right from wrong and train them in
the right way. It is believed that on the Last Day, Muslim parents will be judged by God on
how well they have brought up their children.
•Alcohol and drugs should not be a problem for Muslims as the Qur’an prohibits their
use. Muhammad taught that Muslims should not drink alcohol or have anything to do
with the production or sale of it.
•If Muslims believe that their are vicegerents of Allah, then they should have no problem
with self esteem. They should regard themselves in high esteem as they are
representing Allah on earth.

Categories of Crimes: Islamic Approach
• There are three types of crime:-
1. Hudud crimes.
2. Taazir offences.
3. Qisas crimes

.
■ .
1. Theft (sariqa)
2. Adultery and
fornication (zina)
3. Consumption of wine or
other intoxicating
substances (shrub al-
khamr)
4. Controversial Apostasy
(ridda)
5. Controversial Rebellion
(baghi)
Homicide or Murder:
Qisas applies to cases
of intentional killing or
murder.
• He man who kisses a
boy or a woman
unrelated to him by
marriage
1. the man who flirts
without fornication
2. the man who eats a
forbidden thing like
blood, or dead animal
which suffers natural
death.
3. the man who bears
false witness or
encourages others to
bear false witness
Hudud crimes Qisas crimes Taazir offences

Prevention of Crime: an Islamic
Approach
• The most fundamental purpose of the Shari`ah is the protection
of basic necessities of the human being i.e. Religion, life, lineage,
dignity, mind and property.
• These are known as the masalih (interests) which means human
or public good, interest, welfare and utility.

Caring for
Oneself:
The Qur’anic verses confirm that:
■ And do not make your own
hands contribute to (your)
destruction. (al-Baqarah:195).
■ Do not kill (or destroy)
yourselves. For verily Allah is
Most Merciful to you. (an-
Nisa’:29).
 Islam lays great stress on that
Committing an act that may
cause the destruction of
oneself is prohibited. Even
permitting others to commit
an injurious act against
him/her is also prohibited

Caring for
Others:
The Qur’an mentions:
■ Verily, the believers are
brothers. Then set matters right
between your brothers and be
conscious of Allah in order that
you may obtain mercy. (al-
Hujurat:10).
The relationship among the
members of society is based on
two principles, i.e. first,
awareness of the strong bond of
brotherhood second, the
protection of the rights of the
individual and the sanctity of
his life, honor and property as
guaranteed by Shari‘ah.

Prevention of Crime
 Prevention of criminal victimization in Islam is primarily based
on the concept of avoiding;
 Thoughts
 Speeches
 Actions
 situations
 And even places that could make a person an easy target for
criminal acts.

CRIME AND JUSTICE
THROUGH ISLAM
• Muslims believe that God is a just God who will reward the good and punish
the bad on the Last Day ((judgement day).
• Muslims believe it is part of their role as
vice-gerents of Gods creation to behave justly to other people and to ensure
the world is governed in a fair way.

 The Qu’ran says that God wants people to treat each other
fairly and to establish justice:
“God commands justice, the doing of good…and He forbids all
shameful deeds and injustice.” Surah 16:90
 Allah commands Muslims to be just that means the unjust
must be punished,
“God commands justice and good conduct to all… and he
forbids all immorality, bad conduct and oppression” Surah
16:90
 Every Muslim is free to choose good or bad behavior
(freewill) and must accept that their actions will affect their
relationship with God and the society around them.
CONTI….

Shari’ah
• For Muslims the fair way to act justly is through Shari’ah, literally “a path to be
followed”, It is a system of law covering moral, social, economic, political and
religious life, based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah and is used by Muslims to
make moral decisions. By following the Shari’ah, Muslims can live the way
they believe Allah wants them to . Justice is important to victims of crime as
Islam teaches that justice should always be given and as the victim is
innocent, justice can only be given when the victim receives justice from the
perpetrator. This can be by compensation.
• Muslim Aid is an organization that works to relieve poverty around the world
and seeks to secure justice for the poor and oppressed. It has campaigned
hard to persuade rich nations to be more generous in giving to the poor and
has sought to get rid of oppression in areas of great poverty and deprivation.

Crime
• Muslims are against crime because criminal behavior is breaking the law of God. “ God orders justice,
doing good…he forbids what is shameful, blameworthy, and oppressive’. Surah 16:90-92
it is important to individually try to work against crime, as Muslims believe the Ummah is important and
all Muslims have a duty from Allah to care for others as part of this.
Being involved in crime distracts them from what is important in life- worshipping Allah. Muslims believe
that their time is put to better use through living their life as Allah intended.
They want to follow the example of Muhammad, who taught about the importance of helping others.

Attitudes to Punishment
 Those who commit crimes will not only be punished by law but also face the judgement of Allah on the
Last Day
In terms of punishment for crimes, Shari’ah law is divided into two general categories.
1. Hadd (or hudud) punishments. These are the punishments fixed in the Qur’an and hadith for crimes
considered to be against the rights of Allah. E.g.- theft, where the punishment is amputation of the
offenders hand adultery, where the penalty is death by stoning.
2. Tazir offences are crimes that the judge can decide the punishment for.
Most Muslims countries operate a legal system similar to that of Europe.
 Punishment should be appropriate to the crime committed. “And We ordained for them therein a life for
a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth… ‘ Surah 5:44
Muslims believe that offenders need to be given the opportunity to change their behavior and therefore
punishment will allow them to do this. Muslims believe Allah is merciful and forgiving (al-Ghafir).

Justice
 Compensation for Victims: Islam stresses the idea of compensating and
making amends to those who have been harmed or wronged. If someone
causes harm or injury to another person, they are encouraged to provide
restitution or compensation to the victim.
 Forgiveness and Mercy: While justice is important, Islam also promotes
forgiveness and mercy. It encourages people to forgive others whenever
possible, and reconciliation is preferred over seeking revenge.
 Rehabilitation and Reform: Islam believes in giving people who have committed
crimes a chance to change and improve themselves. Instead of solely focusing
on punishment, the emphasis is on helping individuals reform and reintegrate
from society.

Case Study 1: Restorative Justice in an
Islamic
• Ahmed, a young man from a troubled neighborhood.
• Exposed to violence and crime, engaged in criminal activities.
• Arrested and convicted for robbery and assault.
• Showing remorse and desire to change in prison.

Restorative Justice Approach
 Islamic psychology principles applied;
• Focus on rehabilitation and reintegration
• Counseling and therapy sessions incorporating Islamic teachings on
remorse, repentance, and making amends
• Acts of charity and community service
• Community support: forgiveness, employment, and rebuilding

Case Study 2: Islamic Counseling for
Rehabilitation
• Fatima, convicted of drug possession and distribution.
• Addiction due to personal struggles, family issues, and
lack of support.
• Integrating Islamic counseling in her treatment plan.

Islamic Counseling Approach
• Incorporating Islamic teachings and principles.
• Self-reflection, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and rebuilding the
relationship with the Creator.
• Exploring alternative coping mechanisms in line with Islamic teachings.
• Emphasizing tawbah (repentance) and seeking forgiveness from Allah
• Spiritual healing, hope, and resilience.
• Becoming an advocate for others struggling with addiction.

Conclusion
 In summary, Islamic psychology provides a
unique perspective on crime, emphasizing
restorative justice, forgiveness, and
rehabilitation. By integrating Islamic principles
into counseling and community support,
individuals can find healing and strive to lead
righteous lives. Further research is necessary
to deepen our understanding of the role of
Islamic psychology in crime prevention and
rehabilitation.

Islamic Psychology Criminology

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