The judicial system during the Muslim period, which varied across different Islamic empires and regions, had several methods of punishment. The legal systems were based on Islamic law, or Sharia, and punishments were often derived from Quranic principles and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Some common methods of punishment during the ancient Muslim period included:
1. **Hudud Punishments:** These are fixed punishments prescribed by Islamic law for offenses considered to be against God's rights. They include amputation for theft, flogging for adultery, and stoning for certain cases of illicit sexual relations.
2. **Tazir Punishments:** These are discretionary or non-fixed punishments determined by the judge based on the circumstances of the case. They could include imprisonment, fines, or other penalties not specifically outlined in the Quran or Hadith.
3. **Imprisonment:** Though not explicitly mentioned in classical Islamic texts, imprisonment was sometimes used as a form of punishment during the Muslim period. It became more prevalent in later centuries.
4. **Fines:** Monetary penalties were often imposed as a form of punishment for various offenses. The amount would depend on the severity of the crime and the financial status of the offender.
5. **Exile:** In some cases, individuals convicted of certain crimes were banished or exiled from their community or region.
6. **Public Floggings:** Flogging, or corporal punishment, was a common method of punishment for various offenses, especially those falling under Tazir.
7. **Restitution:** Offenders were sometimes required to compensate their victims as part of the punishment.
It's important to note that the specific methods and their application varied across different Islamic empires and regions, and there were also variations in the interpretation and implementation of Islamic law. Additionally, legal systems evolved over time, and methods of punishment could change with shifts in political, social, and religious contexts.