By Tijjani Sarki
What happens when a state prepares to execute a condemned woman, administers lethal drugs twice, yet she remains alive? At what point must human beings confront the limits of their own power and acknowledge that life and death are not entirely within their control?
The reported case of Christa Pike in the United States presents a disturbing and thought-provoking question. Sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, Pike reportedly survived an attempted execution after two doses of lethal drugs failed to kill her. She suffered serious complications, received hospital treatment and was subsequently returned to prison.
For me, this incident is more than a story of a failed execution. It is a moment for spiritual reflection on the limits of human authority and the mystery of death.
The Holy Qur’an declares:
“And it is not possible for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined.” Qur’an 3:145.
This verse captures a fundamental Islamic belief, life and death ultimately belong to Allah. Governments may pass laws, courts may pronounce sentences, and officials may carry out punishments, but human authority must never be mistaken for absolute control over existence.
The Qur’an further states:
“Say, ‘Indeed, the death from which you flee indeed, it will meet you.’” Qur’an 62:8.
Death is inevitable, but the unseen wisdom behind individual events is not ours to determine. We cannot claim to know why Pike survived or declare with certainty what Allah intended through this extraordinary outcome. Such knowledge belongs to Him alone.
Yet the incident invites a sobering reflection, human beings can plan an execution, but they cannot claim ownership of the mysteries of life and death.
My reflection does not diminish the tragedy suffered by Colleen Slemmer or the grief of her family. Her life was lost, and the pain of those left behind deserves compassion and justice. Accountability for serious crimes remains an important responsibility of society.
However, when an execution fails and a condemned person reportedly suffers severe physical trauma, we must confront difficult questions about the reliability, humanity and consequences of the methods used. A person’s conviction does not make suffering irrelevant, nor should the administration of justice exempt state institutions from scrutiny.
Imagine being taken to face death, subjected to drugs intended to end your life, enduring a failed execution and awakening in a hospital, still alive. Whatever the circumstances of Pike’s crime, the gravity of such an experience should compel serious reflection rather than indifference.
The authority to impose a sentence is not the same as the power to command the mysteries of life and death.
This case should not be used to claim knowledge of divine intentions, nor should it become an excuse to forget the victim. Instead, it should remind us that human institutions are fallible, punishment carries profound consequences, and power must always be exercised with responsibility.
My message is simple: pursue justice, respect the suffering of victims, scrutinise the exercise of state power and remain humble before the limits of human understanding.
We may calculate, prepare and execute our plans, but we cannot claim perfect control over every outcome. In the end, the Islamic understanding remains clear. Allah alone possesses complete knowledge of the appointed hour of death.
May this incident remind us that justice requires accountability, authority demands humility, and human power must never be confused with divine power.
Sarki write from the ancient city of kano
Can be reached via responsivecitizensinitiave@gmail.com
12th October,2026
