Criminal Law and the Story of Yusuf
Criminal Law in the Qur’an and Social Justice in the Context of the Story of Joseph The Qur’an is not only a guide for individual faith but also a divine book that shapes social order and legal systems. In this regard, crime and punishment are among the core societal issues on which the Qur’an places great emphasis. However, punishments in the Qur’an are not presented as rigid and fixed measures; rather, they are built on principles of justice, wisdom, public interest (maslahah), context, and repentance, reflecting a flexible understanding. The story of Joseph (Yusuf) illustrates how the Qur’anic concept of justice operates based on these principles. This article examines the Qur’anic perspective on criminal law, focusing on the story of Joseph as a case study for its foundational and contextual aspects. 1. Example of Punishment in the Story of Joseph: The Case of Benjamin In verses 70–76 of Surah Yusuf, Prophet Joseph’s strategic plan to keep his brother Benjamin with him is narra...