CAUSE OF THE REVELATION (VERSE NO. 33-34)

It is narrated that a group of the Pagan Arabs came to the prophet and became Muslims.

      The climate of Medina was not agreeable to their health, and it made them sick. The prophet settled them in a green grown, and verdant place in the suburb, wherein the sheep and camels belonging to the public purse were kept for grazing.

      In that fresh and healthy air and lovely climate, the new converts drank out of the camel's milk and enjoyed the fresh and nice climate, and they soon were cured and recovered their strength. But instead of being grateful, they killed the camileers, blinded the shepherds, and cut off the hands and feet of the servants and took all the animals and run away towards Mecca, all apostates!

      The prophet ordered his guards to chase them. Soon after; all of them were arrested and brought to the prophet.

      The prophet reciprocated by decreeing the same injury that they had done- eye for eye, hand for hand - and murder for murder.

CAUSE OF THE REVELATION (VERSE NO. 33-34)

It is narrated that a group of the Pagan Arabs came to the prophet and became Muslims.

      The climate of Medina was not agreeable to their health, and it made them sick. The prophet settled them in a green grown, and verdant place in the suburb, wherein the sheep and camels belonging to the public purse were kept for grazing.

      In that fresh and healthy air and lovely climate, the new converts drank out of the camel's milk and enjoyed the fresh and nice climate, and they soon were cured and recovered their strength. But instead of being grateful, they killed the camileers, blinded the shepherds, and cut off the hands and feet of the servants and took all the animals and run away towards Mecca, all apostates!

      The prophet ordered his guards to chase them. Soon after; all of them were arrested and brought to the prophet.

      The prophet reciprocated by decreeing the same injury that they had done- eye for eye, hand for hand - and murder for murder.

THE PUNISHMENT OF THOSE WHO INVADE PEOPLE'S LIFE AND PROPERTY

      This verse completes the preceding argument about murders and murderers:-

      The punishment for those who wage war against Allah and His apostle, and strive for corruption in the earth is, execution, crucification, maiming or exile.''

      There are a few notes to be considered here:-

      1) To wage war against Allah and His apostle; with reference to some traditions, and the above mentioned cause of revelation, definitely means invasion upon the life and properties of people - be it through high way robbery, plundering in the town, or other mischief of such. In other word; the war against God and His apostle in this verse, means invading the life and the security and safety of people in all its aspects.

      Worthy of note here that, Fighting against guiltless people in the sight of God has been declared as fight against God Himself, and this will put the highest stress and emphasis upon Human Rights!

      2) Islamic jurisprudence decrees the cutting hands and feet to be limited to four fingers only, and not the whole limb.

      3) Any one of the four mentioned punishments is to be applied according to the circumstances, and nature of crime.

      If the rebels in their robbery, have taken life, they are to be executed. If they only have plundered or robbed without any one being killed, they have to lose some of their fingers, and to make it short, the punishment should be compatible with the crime.

      Then comes the condition that, in any case, repentance, before being too late, will be recognized as a ground for pardon and mercy; and doors to amendment will never be closed in Islam:-

      ``Except those who repent before you catch them and have them in your power, for, Allah is the Compassionate Forgiver.