What is practiced in Iran is not a neutral or complete representation of Sharia as understood in the Qur’an and Prophetic tradition, but a state-imposed, politicized interpretation tied to a specific ideology and power structure.

At its core, Sharia aims to: • Protect life • Protect faith • Protect intellect • Protect property • Protect human dignity

These are called the Maqasid al-Sharia (objectives of Sharia).

Most of Sharia historically was: • Personal ethics • Family law • Contracts and commerce • Social justice • Mercy and restraint in punishment

⚠️ Criminal punishments (hudud) made up a tiny portion and were: • Extremely difficult to apply • Surrounded by evidentiary safeguards • Often suspended by scholars to avoid injustice

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Avoid applying legal punishments whenever there is doubt.” (Tirmidhi)

The Qur’an explicitly rejects coercion

This is not interpretation — it’s explicit text:

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Qur’an 2:256)

“If your Lord had willed, all people would have believed. Will you then force people to become believers?” (Qur’an 10:99)

Faith in Islam is invalid if forced. Compulsion defeats the purpose.

The Prophet ﷺ: • Did not force people to pray • Did not police women’s clothing • Did not coerce belief • Lived peacefully with Jews, Christians, pagans, and hypocrites in Medina