Quranic documentation of the rule of respect

Osuli Yamchi, Mohaddeseh; Ashaiery Monfared, Mohammad; Javar, Hossein

Quranic documentation of the rule of respect

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohaddeseh Osuli Yamchi ¹

Mohammad ashaiery Monfared ²

Hossein Javar ³

¹ 4th level scholar of family jurisprudence, Masumieh Institute of Higher Education

² Associate Professor of Translation Department, Complex of Language, Literature and Cultural Studies, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, College of Farabi, University of Tehran (hjavar@ut.ac.ir)

Abstract

The Holy Qurʾān, as an unassailable source of guidance, plays a central role in the formation of jurisprudential principles. Among these is the Principle of Respect (qāʿidat al-iḥtirām). This study investigates whether the scope of this principle extends beyond property—where it is often termed the “Principle of Respect for Property”—to include bodily integrity, moral dignity, reputation, and social status. It also examines whether the principle applies to both intra-religious and extra-religious contexts, and how respect may be forfeited in certain circumstances. Adopting an exploratory methodology, the research identifies two categories of Qurʾānic evidence. General verses, such as “Do not deprive people of their due” (Q 7:85), affirm the inviolability of human dignity in all its dimensions, while specific verses establish protection in particular domains, including financial, bodily, and moral. Exceptions are acknowledged both positively—in creating spheres safeguarded from violation—and negatively, in cases where respect is forfeited through clear transgression, liability to public exposure, or penal sanctions. Importantly, the Qurʾānic prohibition of violating protected domains applies equally to inherent and contingent respect. Terms such as “believer” and “Muslim” in relevant texts are used prevalently, without limiting the broader scope of the principle.

Keywords

principle of respect, human dignity, bodily integrity, property, forfeiture of respect