30.09.2025 16:44
Turkish theologian and writer Ali Rıza Demircan evaluated the Islamic dimension of the former minister's death sentence for bribery in China. Sharing verses from the Quran related to the issue, Demircan posed the question to the relevant parties: "Can bribery be considered a corruption crime that warrants the death penalty? If so, in which areas and to what extent can bribery be classified?"
Turkish theologian and writer Ali Rıza Demircan, in his article published in Mirat Haber, addressed the death penalty given to a former minister in China for bribery, evaluating the Islamic dimension of the issue.
"THE DEATH PENALTY FOR BRIBERY IN CHINA MADE US THINK"
In his article, Ali Rıza Demircan stated: "The death penalty for bribery in China made us think. Before presenting the news, we wanted to ask some preliminary questions to the relevant parties... Almighty Allah has transferred the punishment He established in the Torah to the Qur'an and has stated: '…Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely...' (Maide 32) This verse explains that not only intentional killing but also causing corruption on earth can be punishable by death.
CORRUPTION ACCORDING TO THE QUR'AN
Some relevant verses in the Qur'an are as follows:
- Allah does not like corruption and those who cause corruption. (Bakara 205; Kasas 77)
- Corruption is a path to Hell. (Kasas 83)
- Corruption is a collection of actions that should be avoided and warned against. (Kasas 77; Hûd 116)
- It is the destructive phenomenon that arises on land and sea due to what people do. (Rûm 41; Enfal 73)
- Corruption is a rampant behavior that has led to destructive punishments in this worldly life. (Fecr 11,12)
- If not addressed, it can cause great chaos that disrupts social and natural balances. (Enfal 73)
- And corruption is a crime that can be punishable by death. (Maide 32,33)
'CAN BRIBERY BE CONSIDERED A CORRUPTION CRIME PUNISHABLE BY DEATH?'
The magnificent Islamic Criminal Law, although abolished in our country through bloody revolutions supported by the Independence Courts' executions, remains a concern for every Muslim. It is valid until the Day of Judgment. Therefore, we are curious and asking to protect our faith: Can bribery be considered a corruption crime punishable by death? If so, in which areas and to what extent?
There are Islamic Law departments in the Religious Affairs High Council and Theology faculties. Let's ask them as well. Why do we pay these people salaries as a nation? Aren't these people supposed to conduct scientific research? Now, let no one come out and make secular nonsense to us. We are not interfering with anyone's reason, knowledge, and non-Islamic views. We are merely asking questions and trying to open space for reason, knowledge, and legal freedoms.
DEATH PENALTY FOR BRIBERY IN CHINA
China's former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tang Renjian, was sentenced to death for bribery. Renjian, who was found to have received approximately $37.6 million in cash and real estate as bribes during his various positions between 2007-2024, was sentenced to death.
CONVERTED TO 2 YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT
While the court postponed the death penalty, it converted the sentence to two years of imprisonment due to Renjian's confession of his crime. The Chinese Communist Party expelled Renjian from the party in November 2024, six months after the investigation was launched.