Definition, Ruling & Wisdom

**1. Definition:** **Linguistically:** Ta'zir means prevention and repelling. It also means support with honor, as in Allah's saying: "and honor him" [Al-Fath: 9] - because it prevents the enemy from harm. It also means humiliation - "he disciplined him" means punished him for a sin. Thus it is from words with opposite meanings. The root meaning is prevention. **Legally:** Disciplinary punishment for any sin that has no fixed hadd or expiation. --- **2. Ruling:** Ta'zir is **obligatory** for every sin that has no fixed hadd or expiation - whether committing prohibitions or abandoning obligations - when the Imam deems it appropriate. **Evidence:** - The Prophet ﷺ said: "No more than ten lashes except in a hadd from Allah's hudud" [Bukhari & Muslim] - He ﷺ "imprisoned based on suspicion" [Tirmidhi] - Umar would discipline with exile, shaving heads, and other methods Ta'zir is left to the Imam or his deputy - he implements it when he sees benefit in doing so, and leaves it when the benefit lies in leaving it. --- **3. Wisdom:** Ta'zir is legislated to: - Protect society from chaos and corruption - Repel oppression - Deter and discipline sinners