and property, and they assessed the grave dangers that arise from crimes that violate the inviolable rights of Muslims in their lives, honor, or wealth, and the threat such acts pose to public security in the country. God, exalted is He, has preserved for people their religion, bodies, lives, honor, and intellect by legislating the ḥudūd (prescribed penalties) and other punishments that secure both public and private safety. The enforcement of the verse on ḥirāba and of the judgement pronounced by the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—against highwaymen is sufficient to spread security and reassurance and to deter anyone whose soul incites him to crime or aggression against Muslims. The Almighty says:

“Indeed, the recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth to spread corruption is that they be killed, or crucified, or that their hands and feet be cut off on opposite sides, or that they be banished from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and for them in the Hereafter is a tremendous punishment.” (Qur’an 5:33)

Both Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim relate—Bukhārī’s wording—on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): “A group from the tribe of ʿUkl came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. They were among the people of the Ṣuffah, but they found the climate of Medina unsuitable. They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, send us elsewhere.’ He replied, ‘I have nothing for you except to join the camels of the Messenger of Allah.’ They went to them and drank their milk and urine until their health returned and they grew stout. Then they killed the herdsman and drove off the camels. News reached the Prophet, so he sent pursuers after them, and before the day had ended they were brought back. He ordered nails to be heated, branded their eyes, cut off their hands and feet, and did not cauterize the wounds. They were then cast upon the lava plain asking for water, but none was given until they died.” Abū Qilābah commented, “They stole, killed, and waged war against Allah and His Messenger.”

In light of the foregoing, the Council resolves the following:

(a) Crimes of kidnapping and armed robbery carried out openly and defiantly to violate the sanctities of Muslims are forms of ḥirāba and of spreading corruption on earth.