أحكام الإضراب عن الطعام في الشريعة الإسلامية

Legal Status of Hunger Strikes in Islamic Law

  • Maroof Alaba Murtadha PhD Scholar, Faculty of Shariah & Law, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Abstract

The hunger strike is a burning issue and is widely practised in the contemporary world for different purposes, including as a means of agitation against political, social and other kinds of discrimination and injustice. Some modern jurists hold that it is heresy borrowed from Western democratic systems. However, the issue needs to be seen in all its aspects. First, it is a means of demanding rights, a matter that is very significant in Islam. Second,  hunger strikes are practised only in protest against the injustice of those in power and the injustice of the employers. Third, it is carried out only after the failure of various legitimate means and sources. The article explains the meaning of the hunger strike literally and technically and provides a comprehensive perspective on the issue. It further elaborates the opinions of classical and contemporary scholars, compares their views, and identifies the most correct opinion of them. It concludes that any demonstration that may result in violence and bloodshed is extremely prohibited and rejected in Islamic law. Likewise, any hunger strike, which may lead to death is strongly forbidden. It is advisable to be patient and tranquil and pray for the improvement of circumstances.

 

Published
2022-03-27