Corruption : Sharia Law

Atheist: Your holy book Koran is a violent book!

Muslim: Why do you say so, my friend?

Atheist: Have you read Koran? Chapter 5 verse 33 is full of violence!

Muslim: 5:33 is not a violent verse, my friend. Let me explain.

5:32- For that cause We decreed for the Children of Israel that whosoever killed a human being for EXCEPT FOR MANSLAUGHTER OR CORRUPTION in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saved the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind. Our messengers came unto them of old with clear proofs (of God's Sovereignty), but afterwards lo! but afterwards lo! many of them became prodigals in the earth.

Interpretation: God says Children of Israel were forbidden to kill a person except if that person commits manslaughter or corruption in the earth. God says Children of Israel disobeyed God by killing people who did not commit manslaughter or corruption in the earth.

5:33- The penalty of those WHO MAKE WAR UPON GOD AND HIS MESSENGER (=Those who spread corruption in earth) AND STRIVE AFTER CORRUPTION in the land will be that they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land. Such will be their degradation in the world, and in the Hereafter theirs will be an awful doom;

Interpretation: What does making war upon God and his messenger mean? God uses "making war" and "spreading corruption" in a synonymous manner in this verse.

What does corruption mean? Corruption (Noun) = (i) Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. (ii) The action of making someone or something morally depraved or the state of being so. This verse mainly applies to rulers of an Islamic state. God's messenger Muhammad (God bless him) appointed governors for diffident provinces in Arabia. It was same as making war with God and his messenger if they (governors) disobeyed God's direct commend of not being corrupted.

What is the punishment for corruption in the earth? Death penalty for very serious corruption  and amputation of hands and feet on alternate sides or expulsion for less serious corruption.

There are two prerequisites that have to meet for getting these penalties. These are: (i) making war upon God and His messenger (=spreading corruption in earth) (ii) striving after corruption in the land.

5:34- Except for those who REPENT before you before you have power over them. And know that God is FORGIVING and MERCIFUL.

Interpretation: God says if a ruler does not strive after spreading corruption in the land, rather surrender himself/herself before justice, that person will be forgiven (that person will not be sentenced). But if a ruler strives after spreading corruption and law enforcement units capture him/her, there is no pardon for that person (that person will be sentenced).

In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with sentencing CORRUPTED leaders for PEACE if they deny to REPENT.