Abstract Sociology of penal practice has not systematically investigated religion as a powerful cultural element in shaping the criminal justice system in the modern world. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the potential influence of religion on developing penal policies in Iran. The Islamic Revolution of Iran which occurred in 1978-79 led to a great penal revolution based on the Sharia criminal law. This study, therefore, explores such a great penal revolution through the Durkheimian analysis of religion using qualitative analysis of legal documents, reports, and past journals, seeking to discover the religious nature of punishments as rooted in Iranian society itself. Moreover, applying Durkheim’s sociological approach to religion, the study attempts to unearth the reason behind the harsh policies adopted in this regard despite their failure in achieving their philosophical and criminological objectives.

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