Religious Pluralism in the Islamic Penal Code

The purpose of this study is to examine the approach of the Iranian legislature to religious diversity and the rights of religious minorities, specifically in the realm of substantive criminal law that reflects the rights and freedoms of individuals. To this end, we will explore the "Fegh" based theories, deeds of muslim leaders (Imams) and criminal law itself. Accordingly, as we will see, in spite of strong intellectual foundations in relation to religious Tolerance and acceptance of the rights of different religions , the legislature merely adheres to some popular theories or cites some common interpretations that discriminate between  Muslim and non -Muslim offenders.  In this article we argue that current state of criminal law toward religious minorities is not fair and as we  show there are  other  fair and equal basis in Islamic Theories which  endorse  non discriminate legislation toward non-Muslims.