Analysis of the Term Hudud in the Quran: the Application in Islamic Criminal Law and Its Significance in the Modern Context

Abstract The concept of hudud , or corporal punishment in Islam, has long been a source of significant controversy in various countries. While hudud is typically associated with specific punishments for specified crimes, the Quran offers a broader perspective on its meaning beyond punishment. This article aims to analyse the original context of hudud in the Quran and its evolution into a concept of crime and punishment as developed by classical jurists. The methodology includes identifying hudud -related verses in the Quran and uses a juristic approach to examine verses on fixed punishment and relevant traditions of the Prophet. Historical practices of the Prophet’s Companions, exegesis, juristic literature and contemporary perspectives were also consulted. Through contextual analysis, it has been revealed that hudud , as prescribed in the Quran, represents the divine limits set by Allah, encompassing prohibitions and boundaries, with consequences in the hereafter. The evolution of hudud from a broad Quranic concept of divine limits to a specific legal framework of fixed punishments, represents a significant paradigm shift in Islamic jurisprudence. This transformation underscores the dynamic nature of Islamic legal thought and its capacity to address the changing needs of society while remaining rooted in divine guidance. This article offers a comprehensive understanding of hudud by addressing its ethical, religious and legal dimensions.