Voluntary Abandonment of Crime in Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu Law: Religious Doctrines and Modern Legal Practice

The paper is devoted to a comparative analysis of the institution of voluntary abandonment of crime within the framework of religious legal systems: Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu law. The author investigates doctrinal foundations, contemporary legislation, and judicial practice, revealing a synthesis of legal norms and religious ethical principles. In Jewish law, voluntary abandonment is closely linked to the concept of repentance, requiring the cessation of the crime, remorse, and redress of harm. Legal sources emphasize that abandonment mitigates punishment but does not always nullify it, especially in cases of serious crimes. Contemporary rabbinical courts apply these principles in property and moral disputes, considering active compensation for damages. In Muslim law, the approach varies depending on the category of the crime and the legal school. Hindu law views voluntary abandonment through the prism of dharma and karma, emphasizing moral aspects. A comparative analysis reveals contradictions between humanization and repressiveness. Religious legal systems demonstrate dualism: the pursuit of ethical ideal clashes with archaic norms, creating legal uncertainty. The study emphasizes the need for a balance between tradition and modernization, proposing ways to harmonize religious doctrines with modern legal standards. The research found that voluntary abandonment of crime in religious legal systems is not an archaic relic but a dynamic institution combining tradition with pragmatism. However, its potential is limited by the conflict between sacred dogmas and human rights. The author’s practical recommendations are aimed at overcoming this contradiction, proposing avenues for dialogue between religious and secular legal systems.

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