Is Vigilantism Permissible in Islam?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

What is the Islamic ruling on vigilantism and taking the law into one’s own hands?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah guide us to what pleases Him and protect us from error. Amin.

This is an excellent and important question, for when one’s rights are infringed upon, the instinct of the lower self (nafs) may urge revenge.

In Islam, however, the court, and by extension, the police and the state, holds an essential role in maintaining order, ensuring fairness, establishing justice, and implementing retribution (qisas) or blood money (diya) where required. These legal processes must occur through a qualified and appointed Islamic magistrate (hakim) within a legitimate caliphate (khilafa). In its absence, a legitimate Islamic state government, appointed official, or department fulfilling this role must handle such matters.

Vigilism is not permitted, as it circumvents the court and the law, applying potential outcomes without due process. For instance, Islam prescribes stoning for the adulterer, but no individual may enact this ruling. A judge (hakim) must verify whether the Shari‘a requirements are met, considering all circumstances.

This principle is critically important, as Imam Nawawi expounds in al-Majmu‘ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab: we do not resort to vigilantism. Seeking revenge based on personal emotions, without proper legal authority, contradicts the core teachings of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and Islam. Islam establishes a system of justice that is among its greatest beauties.

It would be a tragedy for a Muslim to take matters into their own hands, believing they implement Allah’s law, when they in fact violate it further. Allah (Most High) commands justice in various ways in the Quran:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners; and when you judge between people, judge with fairness. What a noble commandment from Allah to you! Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” [Quran, 4:58]

Then He says:

“And those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are (truly) the disbelievers…are (truly) the wrongdoers…(truly) the rebellious.” [Quran, 5:44-47]

Thus, one absolutely cannot take the law into one’s own hands.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.