Jurisprudential Analysis of Moharebeh from Shiite and Sunni Perspectives and the Foundations of Its Proof
Keywords:
Principles of Proof, Sunni, Shia, Muharebeh, JurisprudenceAbstract
This article examines the jurisprudential analysis of Moharebeh (armed rebellion) from Shiite and Sunni perspectives and the foundations of its proof. Moharebeh, as an independent crime, has been revived in Iranian law following the Islamic Revolution. Due to the lack of a precise definition by past jurists, challenges have emerged in aligning its legal rules with contemporary instances. This study is conducted with the aim of resolving conceptual ambiguities and reinforcing the foundations of Moharebeh through jurisprudential evidence. The Qur’an references Moharebeh in several verses, notably verse 33 of Surah Al-Ma’idah, and various narrations from Shiite and Sunni Imams have addressed this matter. Shiite and Sunni jurists differ in their definitions of Moharebeh and the conditions for its realization. However, they agree on general elements such as the necessity of using a weapon and the intention to instill fear among the public. The evidentiary conditions for establishing Moharebeh include confession, the testimony of two just male witnesses, and the knowledge of the judge. Moreover, prerequisites such as legal majority (bulugh), mental competence (‘aql), absence of coercion, and lack of legal entitlement to carry out hudud are essential. Repentance prior to arrest can nullify the implementation of the hadd (fixed punishment), though private rights (haqq al-nas) remain enforceable. Cases such as scouts (tali‘), accomplices (rad’), defenders, children, the mentally ill, and those who act in jest fall outside the scope of Moharebeh. This research contributes to a more precise delineation of Moharebeh rulings and supports the maintenance of order and security in Islamic society.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Yadaniz (Author); Hossein Ahmari; Mostafa Rajaeipour (Author)
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