Does Islam permit honor killing?
Islam does not permit honor killings, as they contradict the fundamental teachings and principles of the religion regarding the sanctity of life. The Qur'an clearly states the grave consequences for unlawfully taking a life. For instance, it says: Whoso slayeth a believer of set purpose, his reward is hell for ever. Allah is wroth against him and He hath cursed him and prepared for him an awful doom.
4:93. This verse emphasizes that killing a believer intentionally is a serious offense that incurs Allah's wrath and severe punishment.
Furthermore, in an explanation provided by Ibn Abbas, he indicated that the prohibition against killing is absolute, except in cases prescribed by Islamic law. He noted: Ask Ibn Abbas about these two verses: 'And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right' and 'Whoever kills a believer intentionally.' I asked Ibn Abbas, and he replied that the verse concerning this was revealed in Al-Furqan because the polytheists of Mecca killed the soul forbidden by Allah and associated others with Allah and committed indecencies. So Allah revealed: 'Except those who repent and believe.' This applies to them. Regarding the verses in An-Nisa about a man who knows Islam and then kills, his recompense is Hell.
Sahih al-Bukhari 63:80. This narration reinforces the principle that taking a life unjustly is a grave sin, and it applies to all believers, regardless of the circumstances.
Honor killings, which are based on cultural practices rather than Islamic teachings, fundamentally violate these principles and are not supported by any authentic Islamic texts. Instead, Islam promotes justice, mercy, and respect for human life.
Sources
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4:93 · An-Nisaa
4:93 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَمَن يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًۭا مُّتَعَمِّدًۭا فَجَزَآؤُهُۥ جَهَنَّمُ خَٰلِدًۭا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُۥ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُۥ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًۭا
Whoso slayeth a believer of set purpose, his reward is hell for ever. Allah is wroth against him and He hath cursed him and prepared for him an awful doom.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 63:80
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 63, Hadith 80 · Narrated by Ibn Abbas
Abd al-Rahman bin Abu Azza said to me, 'Ask Ibn Abbas about these two verses: "And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right" and "Whoever kills a believer intentionally." I asked Ibn Abbas, and he replied that the verse concerning this was revealed in Al-Furqan because the polytheists of Mecca killed the soul forbidden by Allah and associated others with Allah and committed indecencies. So Allah revealed: "Except those who repent and believe." This applies to them. Regarding the verses in An-Nisa about a man who knows Islam and then kills, his recompense is Hell. I mentioned this to Mujahid, who said 'except the one who repents.'
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