Punishment and Its role in Training, with an Islamic Attitude

For making a change in undesirable behaviors of individuals, especially children, first of all punishment comes to mind. Many experts in the field of education and training oppose this method due to its plenteous detriments, although they allow it sometimes as the last resort. The purpose of punishment is to decrease the behavior; so it must be clarified where, when, by whom and under what conditions punishment must be used.According to Islamic view on punishment is that it must be used under specific conditions. Of course punishment is not merely physical, but includes warning, admonition, caution, reproach, and so on. Therefore, in this article, the role of punishment as a method of changing the behavior has been investigated with a religious attitude. We have tried to clarify the status and role of punishment in religious sources and teachings by referring to related sources.