Steemit Engagement Challenge Season8 Week1: What is the value of life?
Life is something we all value and try to protect, no matter our differences. But some people believe that certain individuals shouldn’t be allowed to live. Take criminals who have done really terrible things, in many places, they could face the death penalty.
The death penalty is a tricky subject and people have a lot of different opinions about it. Some people think that it is necessary for really serious crimes like murder, terrorism and treason. They say it helps the families of victims find closure and stops other people from committing crimes.
But other people see the death penalty as cruel and unfair. They say it goes against human rights and there is no real proof that it stops crime from happening. Plus, there is always the chance that an innocent person could be put to death. Therefore, opinions on the death penalty are all over the place and it is definitely a touchy subject. Some people think it is important for punishing serious crimes while others see it as inhumane and not effective.
What do you think about the death penalty? Do you agree or disagree? Explain why?
As a Muslim, I support the death penalty for crimes such as murder, apostasy and treason. However, Islamic law also values justice, compassion and forgiveness. While some Islamic scholars believe that the death penalty should only be used sparingly and in clear cases of guilt, others have different opinions. It is important to ensure that justice is served and that the punishment fits the crime.
Islamic scholars place great importance on mercy and forgiveness over punishment. The ultimate goals of Islamic law are to promote justice, peace and compassion. In certain situations, the death sentence may be seen as a necessary measure but it should always be used with caution.
Forgiveness is highly valued in Islam as it can help to release anger towards others. It is encouraged to seek forgiveness from Allah and to forgive others. Islamic law also promotes reconciliation between offenders and victims’ families.
A fair trial with clear evidence of guilt is required before imposing the death penalty. The guilty should have the opportunity to repent and seek pardon. Alternative punishments such as life imprisonment without parole may also be considered.
Is this type of penalty part of the law in your country? Should it be implemented?
In Pakistan, where I live, the death penalty is legal and used for serious crimes. While I respect my country’s laws, I believe that it should only be used rarely and with caution. There are concerns about its effectiveness as a deterrent and questions about its fairness. False accusations can lead to wrongful convictions and innocent deaths. Addressing underlying issues such as poverty, injustice and lack of education requires long-term solutions.
Therefore, I believe the death penalty should not be the default option for punishing serious crimes. Instead, we should focus on prevention and rehabilitation and address the underlying social and economic factors that lead to crime. It requires holistic approach involving investing in education, healthcare, and social-welfare and promoting human-rights and justice.
Do you know of any particular case of the death penalty in your or any other country? Can you share it?
I think Shafqat Hussain's case is one of the most contentious concerning the death penalty in Pakistan. On August 4, 2015 a young Pakistani guy named Shafqat Hussain was executed by hanging. In 2004, he was accused of abducting and killing a seven-year-old boy. Many people believed Shafqat was innocent and had been tortured into giving a confession.
Shafqat Hussain was working as a watchman in Karachi when he was taken into custody for the abduction and murder of seven-year-old Umair. The police claimed that Shafqat kidnapped Umair and demanded ransom from his family. However, Umair’s body was found in a sack near Shafqat’s home when the ransom was not paid.
Shafqat was charged with kidnapping and murder and found guilty by an anti-terrorism court. Despite his family’s insistence on his innocence and support from human rights groups, Shafqat’s confession, which he later recanted,played a crucial role in his conviction. His attorney claimed that he had been tortured into confessing.
Shafqat’s appeals were denied and he faced multiple execution dates, each delayed at the last minute due to pressure from human rights groups. The case received widespread media attention with organizations including the United Nations calling for his sentence to be reduced or commuted.
However, on August 4th 2015, Shafqat was executed despite widespread outcry. Human rights organizations condemned this as a gross breach of his rights.
Shafqat Hussain's case shows Pakistan's legal system's problems, particularly with the death penalty. Critics say the system is crooked, unfair, and biased against poor and marginalized people, leading to abuse and erroneous convictions. As Pakistan and other countries continue to grapple with the use of the death penalty it is important to ensure that justice is served and that human rights are protected for all.
Special Mentions:
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I am so glad that you took up the challenge. You got me glued to my screen from the word go.
What I love about this contest is how we learn not only from each other but from the various countries and religions.
I want to start where you have ended. Justice is served...
I agree, proper and fair treatment is what I would also like to see. However, this often doesn’t happen. It doesn’t help when a broken system is put on trial and I have seen this happening in so many cases.
Just this morning I heard about a case where a young man received a 12-year sentence for stealing and another 16 years for murder. How on earth can that be?
I suppose this is also what contributes to me being so anti-death penalty. In the history of my country, the death penalty was handed out so easily to those who were of a different color, poor and helpless. Justice was not served.
What a wonderful world we will be living in if all of us can live by these two words.
Let’s take the case of Oscar Pistorius, the Blade Runner, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend on Valentines’s Day.
His parole appeal is coming up on 31 March. It was made clear by her family that they will oppose the appeal. Why?
It is not going to bring her back. He has shown remorse and he served time.
Where are the forgiveness and mercy? Is it not time to move on?
In the end, we are all human and we have our beliefs and morals. All that remains is to ask ourselves, “What if it was me? Does my life have value?”
I know my answer!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. 🙂
Hi friend, I enjoyed reading your article. It was well articulated and presented in simple terms. Despite I am of the opinion of upholding the death sentence as one of the maximum punishments to stem crime against humanity, this can be abused on either hand. Just as narrated in your article, when the poor with poor legal representation are involved or communities under opposition are culprits, this brings about injustice and abuse of human rights.
Thank you for your valuable feedback on my article. I believe that discussions like these can help us build a better understanding of complex issues and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
Por alguna razón no me llegó la notificación de su mención así que he tenido que venir a revisar su blog. Me alegro mucho de haberlo hecho, ha valido la pena la espera por su historia.
El caso que usted ha planteado es precisamente una de las cosas que más me preocupa sobre la pena de muerte, puede convertirse en una herramienta para que personas poderosas asesinen a otros inocentes porque sean sus enemigos o cualquier otro motivo no justificado. Si le obligaron a confesar quiere decir que sabían de su inocencia y lo inculparon a propósito.
Parece problemático que exista la pena de muerte junto a la práctica del perdón y la misericordia ¿cuando se escoge practicar el perdón? ¿cuando la pena de muerte? ¿qué criterios se usan para elegir una cosa u otra?
Creo que si la persona ha sido demasiado cruel cadena perpetua debería ser suficiente.
Gracias por haber aceptado el reto, de verdad disfruté mucho leyendo su artículo.
I'm glad you made it to my blog and enjoyed reading my article. 🙂