Book of Ḥudūd and Taʿzīrāt
Chapter: The Rulings of the Ḥudūd

The term ḥudūd (sing. ḥadd) is derived linguistically from the idea of prevention.

The ḥudūd of Allah, Exalted is He, are His sacred prohibitions—everything He has forbidden people to commit or violate.

In juristic usage, a ḥadd is a divinely fixed punishment for a sin, instituted to prevent its recurrence.

The Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars constitute the primary proofs for their legislation.

Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH) said: “The ḥudūd spring from mercy toward creation and the desire to treat them kindly. Hence, anyone who punishes people for their sins must intend by that to benefit them and show them mercy—just as a father disciplines his child and a physician treats the sick…” End quote.

The wisdom behind prescribing the ḥudūd is that they serve as deterrents, chastisement, and purification. They are fixed penalties that uphold Allah’s right first and, secondly, secure the welfare of society. Allah has obligated them for those who commit crimes to which human nature is susceptible; thus they rank among the greatest interests of people in both this life and the Hereafter. Sound governance cannot be achieved without deterrent punishments for offenders: the disobedient are restrained, the obedient feel at ease, justice is established on earth, and people are safe with regard to their lives