Q 7: Some orientalists, communists, and others who are ignorant of the just Islamic Shari`ah (law) claim that Islam administers punishments that can not be applied in the twentieth century. They say: "How can a hand be cut off when it steals a quarter of a Dinar and how can a person be lashed or stoned to death when they satisfy their caprice and indulge in Zina (sexual intercourse outside marriage)?"

A: Allah (Exalted be He) is All-Wise and All-Knowing. He (Glorified be He) is the Only One who ordained the laws of different prophets and made Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the last of all prophets. Allah (Exalted be He) is the Only One who sent Shari`ah (Islamic law) to all people and made it the seal of the previous laws. Allah (Glorified be He) is more merciful to His slaves than they are merciful to themselves and He ordains for them all that leads to their refinement in this world and the hereafter. Whatever the condition of their culture may be, the Muslim Ummah (nation) will never flourish unless they apply Shari`ah that has been sent to their Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims agree that Shari`ah has to be applied to Persians and Romans during the era of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) though they were of a supreme civilization. (Part No. 22; Page No. 17) Similarly, Qisas (just retaliation) and Hudud (ordained punishments for violating Allah’s Law) are applicable to today's Muslim Ummah whatever high degree of civilization the Muslims reach. Rather, applying Shari`ah is Wajib (obligatory) and a trial is the clearest proof for the benefits of doing so. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.