Bandar Seri Begawan - According to the Syariah Penal Code, many factors have to be considered before imposing punishment on a person who has committed a crime, the State Mufti pointed out.

Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned noted this yesterday during the 'Dawn Lectures with the State Mufti' (Kuliah Subuh Bersama Mufti) which was held at the Pengiran Muda 'Abdul Malik Mosque.

The punishment for stealing is to cut off the offender's hand. However, there are certain basis and careful measures that need to be considered before carrying out the punishment.

All factors must be considered, such as the amount of stolen goods, type of stolen goods; how it was stolen, how it is stored and a where the stolen goods are placed.

"All these things must be taken into consideration. Certain Syariah scales must be weighed first and then justice will be upheld," asserted the State Mufti.

The issue of 'Hirabah' (violent robbery) was also discussed in the series of lectures yesterday.

With the future implementation of the Syariah Penal Code in Brunei, the State Mufti explained that 'Hibarah' is the occurrence of robbery that involves violence.

Conviction for such cases can be done in two ways, either the accuser admits to the crime, or a witness can testify to the crime.

If an offender is convicted by either one or both of the above-mentioned, the person will be punished. The first two penalties include death if a murder occurred during the violent robbery, whether goods were stolen or not. The third penalty includes cutting off the right hand and left foot, if goods were stolen but no murder was committed.

He added, Allah the Almighty created Islamic laws that are unique. However, not all can see its uniqueness, except for those who have faith. For those who have faith, Al-Quran is enough for them to refer to for guidance.

"God's law is full of noble values and ethics for the sake of justice. There must be no fitting and fair law out there better than the one made by the Creator Himself," he added.

The series of lectures is organised in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul celebrations and is held every Friday until March 15. It will be aired on RTB at 9pm every Monday, and on the radio on Nur Islam FM at 7.30am.