An Examination of Hirschi’s Theory of Social Control from the Perspective of the Holy Quran

This study aims at examining Hirschi’s theory of social control from the Quranic standpoint. The comparative research method has been followed to compare and contrast Hirschi’s standpoint and that of the Holy Quran. Travis Hirschi’s, a well-known theorist of social control, maintains that the major cause of man’s lack of deviance and delinquency is his/her social bonds and individuals’ conformity with the society is the main factor in social control and preventing them from deviance. The Holy Quran suggests the following three control measures against the deviance: individual control, social control, and legal control. In this research, legal control or Islamic punishment system with its related subjects such as its goals and law enforcement agents and the judges’ skillfulness and efficiency have been studied. Moreover, the Holy Quran has also suggested resocialization, value control, and emotional control to restore the individuals from deviance. Finally, Hirschi is in consensus with the Holy Quran on the point that the level of family attachment and commitment, religiosity, family formation, parent supervision, and the amount of emotional, informational, and material support received from others are all the factors which strengthen the bond of the individual with the society in which s/he lives. Receiving any support or even feeling the presence of supportive resources or perceived support strengthens the attachment and commitment to and belief in the norms of the society and enough care about the companion helps reduce the deviance.