Islamic Approach To Violations Published
Islamic Approach To Violations Published
https://journal.iaimnumetrolampung.ac.id/index.php/jf
Fuadi Isnawan
Universitas Islam Indonesia, Indonesia
*Correspondence: [email protected]
Abstract
This article investigates the legal implications of necrophilia within the framework of Article History
Islamic law, specifically addressing whether such acts can be categorized as zinā Received: 23-10-2024
‗adultery‘. The primary aim of this research is to analyze how Islamic teachings interpret Revised: 27-12-2024
and regulate sexual relations with deceased individuals, with a focus on the fundamental Accepted: 31-12-2024
principles of human dignity and sanctity. Utilizing a qualitative method alongside a case
study approach, this study involves a comprehensive review of Islamic texts, legal cases, Keywords:
and scholarly interpretations. The data sources encompass Islamic literature, the Qur'an, Deceased;
Hadith, and legal references, including scientific journals and academic books. The Islamic Approach;
theoretical framework is anchored in the concepts of maqāşid syarī‟ah, particularly the Maqāşid Syarī‟ah;
preservation of religion „ḥifẓ al-dīn‟, intellect „ḥifẓ al-aql‘, and life „ḥifẓ al-nafs‟. The Necrophilia.
findings indicate that necrophilia is regarded as a serious violation under Islamic law,
representing a breach of both moral and legal standards, which results in stringent
penalties. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of upholding the dignity
of the human body after death, as mandated by Islamic law. This research contributes by
clarifying how Islamic law addresses necrophilia and reinforcing societal norms related
to the sanctity of life and death.
INTRODUCTION
The principle of honouring the deceased is a foundational aspect of Islamic jurisprudence,
reflecting a deep-seated respect for human dignity that transcends life and death (Salma, 2021).
This principle emphasize the sanctity of the human body and mandate respectful treatment after
death (Petras Bahadur, 2020). Islamic law not only mandates that bodies be treated with reverence
(Davoudi, 2022), but also views any act that desecrates a corpse as a violation of both moral and
divine law. Such guidelines serve as an ethical and legal framework designed to protect human
dignity, maintaining the sanctity of the deceased and supporting a broader understanding of human
rights in Islam (Gabay & Tarabeih, 2024). However, the rise of crimes such as necrophilia
challenges these values and exposes limitations in how traditional Islamic principles are
incorporated into contemporary legal systems.
In many modern legal frameworks, necrophilia is either under-regulated or lacks specific
punitive measures, highlighting a disparity between the respect Islam mandates for the deceased
and the enforcement mechanisms available in secular legal systems (Cini & Vella, 2021). Despite
the explicit emphasis Islam places on the sanctity of the deceased, necrophilia poses a disturbing
violation of this sacred principle (Ela A. Leshem, 2024). In Islamic law, such acts are not only
considered profoundly immoral but also represent a grave infringement on the human dignity that
must be preserved even after death (Chusnul Azhar & Yunita Furi Aristyasari, 2020) (Ridho et al.,
2024).
While Islamic law provides clear moral guidelines condemning necrophilia, the legal
frameworks that should enforce these prohibitions often remain underdeveloped or insufficient
(Maame Efua Addadzi-Koom, 2021). In many cases, existing laws address the violation of graves
or desecration of bodies but fail to cover the full scope of offenses related to necrophilia, leading to
Fikri: Jurnal Kajian Agama, Sosial dan Budaya
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25217/jf.v9i2.5100
Fuadi Isnawan
Islamic Approach to Violations…
gaps in legal recourse (Sharol Steven, 2023). This legal ambiguity results in challenges to the
implementation of Islamic ethical principles in modern legal systems.
Several documented cases in Indonesia highlight instances of necrophilia, underscoring the
relevance and gravity of addressing sexual intercourse with corpses within the legal framework.
The case are: A 19-year-old young man named M. Adi, with his sexual desires, raped a corpse who
had the initials AE aged 15 years. AE is a 3rd grade student of SMPN 1 Kemlagi, Mojokerto, East
Java. Adi raped AE twice. This rape occurred after AE was killed by a classmate who had the
initials AB (15). Adi did this because of his sexual desires. Adi committed the immoral act twice.
The first intercourse, he did not ejaculate. When he committed the second rape, Adi ejaculated, and
he even released his sperm outside the victim's vagina (CNN). A teenager whose initials are JND
made a confession that he committed the murder of a family of five in Babulu Laut Village, Babulu
District, Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan. The 16-year-old JND killed five people at
once consisting of a father, mother, and three children on Tuesday (6/2/2024) in the early morning.
JND had a romantic relationship with the victim RJS. However, the relationship ran aground
because the girl's parents did not give their blessing. According to AKBP Supriyanto as the North
Penajam Paser Police Chief, the perpetrator JND not only killed the 5 people, but he also committed
immoral acts against two of the victims' bodies. According to him, from JND's statement, after
eliminating lives, he raped the mother and adult child, after which he was left behind (Tito
Dirhantoro, 2024).
This study, therefore, seeks to bridge the gap between Islamic principles on human dignity
and the modern criminal justice response to necrophilia. By examining the Islamic concept of
honouring the deceased, this research evaluates the relevance and applicability of these principles in
framing a legal response to crimes that violate the sanctity of the body. It aims to demonstrate that
Islamic values, when effectively translated into legal provisions, can address the complexities of
modern crimes involving the deceased. Furthermore, this study seeks to propose a model wherein
Islamic principles regarding the sanctity of the deceased could serve as a universal framework
adaptable to various legal systems.
In exploring these intersections, this research contributes to the body of knowledge by directly
addressing necrophilia within the scope of Islamic legal thought, a topic that has received limited
scholarly attention. A review of the literature from the last decade reveals that previous research has
generally focused on the ethical considerations in handling corpses within Islamic contexts or the
broader principle of protecting human dignity in life and death. However, few studies have
specifically examined how these principles might be applied in cases involving necrophilia, leaving
a significant gap in scholarship regarding criminal acts against corpses. By connecting Islamic
ethical imperatives with modern legal issues, this study provides a state-of-the-art perspective on
how classical jurisprudence can inform contemporary legal policy.
Research on necrophilia in Indonesia remains sparse, with limited clarity on its regulation
under the country‘s existing legal framework. The first relevant study by Pasaribu and Hariyanto
(Pasaribu & Hariyanto, 2024) reveals that necrophilia cases are commonly prosecuted under general
criminal offenses such as murder, with little recognition of the act's specific nature. The
Pornography Law (Law No. 44 of 2008) mentions sexual acts with corpses but lacks clear
regulatory measures. Pasaribu and Hariyanto highlight the need for legal reform, proposing the
classification of necrophilia as a general offense with a maximum prison sentence of 2 years and 8
months. This study emphasizes philosophical, sociological, and comparative legal analyses,
proposing an urgent revision of Indonesia‘s laws. Similarly, Hapsari‘s work, examines the
application of the Criminal Code (KUHP) and the TPKS Law in cases of corpse rape (Hapsari,
2024). Her analysis underscores a gap in explicit regulations under the Criminal Code, prompting
an exploration of how the TPKS Law can bridge this legal void. The broader definition of sexual
violence provided by the TPKS Law offers a clearer legal framework. Hapsari also discusses human
rights considerations, emphasizing the continued respect for human dignity after death.
METHODS
This study employs a qualitative research methodology to deeply explore the concept of the
sanctity of the deceased within Islam and its violation through acts such as necrophilia. The choice
of a qualitative approach enables a nuanced examination of complex social, legal, and religious
constructs related to this sensitive topic (Zuchri Abdussamad, 2021). This method seeks to elucidate
Islamic perspectives on maintaining and preserving the dignity and sanctity of deceased individuals,
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Islamic Approach to Violations…
drawing from Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and theological teachings. By analyzing primary
religious texts and interpreting scholarly opinions, this study provides a comprehensive examination
of the normative elements and doctrinal principles in Islamic law relevant to the issue at hand. This
operational framework helps contextualize necrophilia within Islamic traditions, illustrating its
implications as a violation against the sanctity of the deceased.
To facilitate a focused analysis, a case study approach has been adopted, allowing for an in-
depth examination of real-world incidents that exemplify violations of the sanctity of the deceased
through acts of necrophilia (Abdul Fattah Nasution & Meyniar Albina, 2023). By closely studying
specific cases, the research contextualizes theoretical and normative principles within practical
scenarios, demonstrating how Islamic teachings are applied. This approach offers critical insights
into the broader implications of preserving the dignity of the deceased and highlights deviations
from these established norms in Islamic contexts.
The study is presented as an analytical-descriptive research paper that analyzes and describes
the phenomenon of necrophilia as a grave violation of the deceased's sanctity, with a focus on
Islamic jurisprudence. Through a combination of doctrinal analysis and case studies, this research
examines ethical norms, legal responses, and the implications of such violations within Islamic law.
By providing both analytical depth and descriptive context, the study seeks to offer a
comprehensive understanding of the issue.
The data sources for this research encompass a wide range of authoritative materials. Primary
sources include the Quran and Hadith literature, forming the bedrock of Islamic jurisprudence.
These texts offer essential guidance on matters concerning the sanctity and dignity of the deceased.
To complement these primary sources, the study draws on scholarly works and interpretations,
including classical and contemporary legal commentaries that provide diverse interpretations and
rulings related to the treatment of the deceased. Legal documents and fatwas issued by recognized
Islamic authorities are also examined, ensuring a broad and accurate representation of religious
legal perspectives.
Data collection techniques utilized in this study include a systematic literature review of
primary texts, scholarly works, legal opinions, and related academic sources to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the sanctity of the deceased. A document analysis was conducted
to scrutinize relevant texts, identifying normative and doctrinal elements that inform Islamic legal
and ethical responses to violations. Additionally, case examination allowed for a focused review of
specific instances of necrophilia, contextualizing doctrinal principles within practical scenarios and
illustrating the application of Islamic teachings.
The data analysis process involves a qualitative content analysis, where data from secondary
sources are carefully coded and categorized based on thematic relevance. This analytical technique
allows the researcher to interpret complex legal and religious texts, identifying themes related to the
sanctity of the deceased and the ethical implications of necrophilia. By categorizing data, the study
identifies patterns and relationships within the literature, enabling a detailed analysis of the ways in
which Islamic teachings can inform modern legal approaches. The final interpretation of the data
seeks to bridge the gap between normative Islamic values and their practical application in
contemporary criminal law, contributing to an understanding that is both theoretical and
implementable.
The theoretical framework underpinning this research is grounded in the concept of Maqāşid
Syarī‟ah (Objectives of Islamic Law), which emphasizes the preservation of essential human
interests and values, including the sanctity and dignity of human life, both in life and after death
(Ibrahim et al., 2019). Within this framework, protecting the sanctity of the deceased is seen as a
fundamental principle. The study draws on Islamic ethics and jurisprudence to analyze necrophilia
as a grave violation of this principle. Furthermore, it incorporates perspectives from various Islamic
schools of thought, offering a diverse and balanced interpretation of religious and legal responses.
This theoretical approach enables a holistic examination of the ethical, social, and legal dimensions
Considering these ten classifications, it becomes evident that, similar to other forms of
sexuality, there exists a broad spectrum of necrophilic behaviors. For instance, individuals
categorized as Class I necrophiles do not engage in sexual activities with corpses; instead, they
derive arousal from the mere fantasy of death. Conversely, Class IX necrophiles actively seek to kill
others in order to engage in sexual acts with their deceased bodies, as for them, the fantasy must
manifest in reality. In contrast, Class II necrophiles may not necessarily be perceived as threatening
or perverse, depending on the context of the situation (Petras Bahadur, 2020). A notable example is
the 2013 case of a woman who slept beside her husband's decaying corpse for nearly a year
following his death. A pathologist who examined this case remarked, ―This is not the first time I
have made a discovery of this kind; I‘ve encountered two or three other instances where individuals
continued to sleep with their partner‘s corpse. Such cases may be viewed as disturbed rather than
perverse, and they certainly differ significantly from the other classifications proposed by
Aggrawal. In this context, the prevention of a lawful and decent burial—a crime under the common
law of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—might serve as a more appropriate basis for legal
action than the charge of necrophilia itself, particularly if the corpse has not been abused. This
highlights the fact that necrophilia remains a largely misunderstood concept, with insufficient
recognition of the diverse range of behaviors it encompasses (Tippett, 2024, p. 116).
The case of David Fuller stands as one of the most disturbing instances of necrophilia in
British legal history. Convicted of the murder of two women and the sexual abuse of over 100
corpses, Fuller‘s crimes shocked the nation. His extensive library of images documenting these acts
led prosecutors to label his offenses as "unimaginable sexual depravity." The severity of his actions
exposed significant legal and systemic gaps in addressing necrophilia as a criminal offense. Before
Based the table 2, the legal response to necrophilia in Indonesia reflects a comprehensive
approach that targets different manifestations of this behavior, providing clear parameters for
sanctioning perpetrators and safeguarding ethical norms. For Role Player necrophilia, which
involves the enactment of sexual acts through role-playing scenarios with a corpse, Indonesian law
enforces strict measures via the combined provisions of Articles 6b and 12 of the Law on the Crime
of Sexual Violence (TPKS Law). These articles ensure protection for the human rights and dignity
of victims, emphasizing the severe repercussions for any individuals involved in such degrading
acts. The TPKS Law offers a contemporary framework that focuses on maintaining respect for
human dignity, even after death, by imposing stringent penalties on violators.
In the case of Romantic-type necrophilia, which typically involves acts such as grave digging
or concealing a corpse for romantic or emotional reasons, the criminal code focuses on protecting
the sanctity and respect due to the deceased. Articles 180 and 181 of the Indonesian Criminal Code
are applicable here, outlining criminal offenses against acts of tampering with graves or
disrespecting a corpse. These provisions reflect the broader societal commitment to preserving the
dignity of the deceased and maintaining public order by criminalizing acts that disturb grave sites or
conceal bodies. Necrophiliac Fantasizers present a unique challenge, as their behavior often does
not result in direct criminal acts but may have potential pathways that lead to harmful conduct.
Although fantasies themselves are not explicitly punishable, the law remains vigilant regarding their
potential to manifest into actual crimes.
This legal attention reflects a broader societal and regulatory focus on preemptively
addressing behaviors that may evolve into tangible threats. Tactile Necrophiles, who seek physical
contact with corpses without engaging in sexual acts, necessitate the application of Articles 6b and
6c of the TPKS Law. These articles aim to prevent and punish unauthorized access to corpses,
thereby addressing the violation of human dignity and preserving public morality. By emphasizing
such enforcement measures, the law seeks to deter and penalize any form of abuse or exploitation of
human remains. Fetishistic Necrophiles, who mutilate corpses or remove body parts to satisfy their
fetishes, are directly addressed by Articles 180 and 181 of the Criminal Code. These provisions
clearly prohibit acts of desecration and mutilation, affirming that the law not only defends against
physical violations but also upholds social and ethical values.
CONCLUSION
Necrophilia, characterized by an attraction to or sexual acts involving corpses, remains a
complex issue intersecting legal, ethical, and religious domains. Islamic law, emphasizing the
sanctity and dignity of the human body even after death, unequivocally condemns necrophilia as a
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severe moral and legal transgression. Rooted in the principles of Maqāşid Syarī‟ah, particularly the
preservation of life ‗ḥifẓ al-nafs‘, intellect ‗ḥifẓ al-aql‘, and dignity, Islamic jurisprudence upholds
the inviolability of the deceased, framing necrophilia as both a violation against the deceased and an
affront to societal moral values. The Quran and Hadith provide a theological basis for this stance,
underscoring respect for human dignity irrespective of life or death. From a legal perspective,
Indonesian criminal law reflects similar concerns by criminalizing acts of corpse desecration
through provisions such as Articles 180 and 181 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. These articles,
alongside more specific laws addressing sexual offenses, illustrate a concerted effort to safeguard
public morality and individual dignity. However, despite these protections, challenges persist in
ensuring comprehensive legal coverage due to varying interpretations of human dignity and the
deceased's legal status.
This study acknowledges certain limitations, including the scarcity of empirical data on
necrophilia cases in Islamic jurisdictions and potential variances in legal interpretations across
different Islamic schools of thought. Future research could explore comparative legal analyses
between Islamic and secular legal frameworks to identify potential harmonization strategies.
Additionally, interdisciplinary studies incorporating psychological, sociological, and theological
perspectives could provide a deeper understanding of the motivations behind necrophilic acts and
inform more effective policy development. Through such endeavors, legal systems can better align
with the universal ethical mandate of preserving human dignity in both life and death.
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