The following report is a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.
On December 15, 2014, a document detailing the Islamic State (ISIS) penal code was released on the Jihadi Media Platform forum (alplatformmedia.com). The document, which was titled "Clarification [regarding] the Hudud [Koranic punishments]," included a list of crimes and their respective punishment according to the shari'a. ISIS said it published the document as a warning and a reminder to the people living under its rule. It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforce it vigilantly.
The document begins with various Koranic verses emphasizing the need for Muslims to adhere to the shari'a, while noting that those who do not follow it are considered unbelievers.
Following are the crimes appearing the document along with the respective punishment:
Blasphemy against Allah: Death
Blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad: Death – even if the accuser repents
Blasphemy against Islam: Death
Adultery: Stoning until death in case the adulterer was married and 100 lashes and exile if he or she were unmarried.
Sodomy (homosexuality): Death for the person committing the act, as well as for the one receiving it.
Theft: Cutting off the hand
Drinking alcohol: 80 lashes
Slandering: 80 lashes
Spying for the unbelievers: Death
Apostasy: Death
Banditry:[1]
1: Murder and stealing: Death and crucifixion
2: Murder only: Death
3: Stealing (as part of banditry): Cutting off the right hand and the left leg
4: Terrorizing people: Exile
[1] The punishment is based on Koran 5:33: "Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive after corruption in the land is that they be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet be cut off on opposite sides, or that they be exiled from the land..."
