Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible

Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible

Criminal Mediation in the Quran, Old Testament, and Talmud

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Mohammad Kaveh Nafchi
Assistance professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, IRAN.
10.22034/qb.2025.2039871.1020
Abstract
Criminal mediation is a common theme among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. However, what similarities and differences exist regarding the mediator and their role, individual versus collective mediation, location, and scope?  Are certain statements in their respective scriptures compatible with the belief in the inherent, active unity, and justice of God? The necessity of referring to the epistemological sources of religion, the Quran's call for common ground among religions (Ᾱli ʻImrān/64), and the value of clarification emphasized in the Quran (al-Zumar/18) underscore the importance of this topic. This research, employing a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizes comparative studies of the aforementioned religious texts. The results indicated that the only complete and independent otherworldly mediator is God. The simplicity of God's essence negates the concept of a son or multiplicity of divine beings.  Certain statements in their scriptures require correction.  Intercession does not negate the punishment of discrimination and injustice; rather, it specifically excludes violations of divine law and discrimination. This act is related to the divine attribute of mercy. While sharing commonalities such as divine mercy, the mediator's proximity, and the faith of those who benefit, otherworldly mediators also exhibit differences regarding the possibility or certainty of acceptance, whether the mediation is fundamental or supplementary, obstacles to intercession, the role of Sharia, and the scope of intercession in terms of the types of sins and the number of those saved.
Keywords
Mediation
Divine Punishment
Ransom
Inherent and Active Tawḥī (Oneness)
Quran
Old Testament
Talmud
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Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
March 2025
Pages 225-255