Islamic law, or Sharia (شريعة in Arabic), is something greater than a code of laws—it’s a divinely mandated system governing every aspect of a Muslim’s existence. From deeds of piety to mundane conduct, Sharia directs moral, social, economic, personal, and even environmental matters. Let us consider what Sharia law entails, its general precepts, scope covered, and how it governs what is allowed—and what is not—under Islam.
1. Sharia Law: Definition & Scope
What is Sharia law? Etymologically, “Sharia” means “path to water,”—life-giving. In Islamic jurisprudence, it is the law of God as revealed by Allah (SWT) in the Quran and Sunnah (words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). Scholars have presented the following definition of Sharia:
“What Allah has prescribed for people regarding commands, prohibitions, halal, haram, beliefs, worship, manners, and all aspects of life”.
Therefore, Islamic Sharia law is a sophisticated system that encompasses not only worship, but ethics, issues of a legal nature, economics, family, crime, and public conduct—all based on the scripture.
2. Simple Sources of Sharia
a) Quran
The primary, irrevocable source of Sharia. It has explicit provisions (ḥudūd), moral excellence, family laws, commercial ethics, penal law, and social norms.
b) Sunnah
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life and practice. A guide interpreting the Quran, filling its lacunae, and making its meaning explicit.
c) Ijma’ and Qiyas
- Ijma’: Mental consensus over matters not specified in the holy book.
- Qiyas: Analogical reasoning to extend Quranic verdicts to new cases because of the same causals.
3. Sharia Law Rules: What Sharia Covers
Sharia law divides deeds into five categories with different verdicts and punishments:
|
Category |
Arabic |
Meaning & Purpose |
|
Fard/Wajib |
واجب، فرض |
Actions obligatory (e.g., Zakat, Salah); rewarded for doing, penalized for not doing |
|
Sunnah |
سنة |
Actions started by the Prophet (e.g., Taḥajjud); rewarded if performed |
|
Mubah |
مباح |
Neutral actions (e.g., eating, working); permitted with no benefit or harm |
|
Makruh |
مكروه |
Discommended actions (unthrifty use of water); to be avoided but not haram |
|
Haram |
حرام |
Forbidden actions (theft, adultery, lying under oath); penalizable if performed |
The above rules encapsulate Sharia law principles and guide Muslims along the way to spiritual and social success.
4. What is Forbidden Under Sharia Law?
What is prohibited under Sharia law? The following are a few examples of what is haram:
- Severe sins: Stealing, murder, adultery, usury (riba), perjury
- Drinking alcohol or eating pork
- Gaming
- Backbiting, slander, lying
- Disobedience to parents or ill-treatment of other people’s rights
These prohibitions protect human beings and society from harm and create morality, justice, and trust.
5. Islamic Sharia Law in Daily Life
Sharia is not rituals alone—it’s for daily life:
a) Acts of Worship
Sharia calls for prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and other acts of righteousness with religious and legal precision.
b) Personal Conduct
Governs personal morals—truthfulness, liberality, modesty, humility, and dealings with relatives.
c) Family Law
Marriage terms, divorce procedure, upbringing of children, guardianship, and inheritance—providing for one’s family’s way of living and property rights.
d) Economic Justice
Sharia promotes just trade, avoids evasion, encourages business morals, the enforcement of contracts, and care for the poor.
e) Criminal Justice
Punishes some crimes (e.g. theft, adultery) and provides repentance, mercy, safety of society, and compensation.
6. Misconceptions Dispelled
Myths exist around Sharia that need to be dispelled:
- Sharia is not arbitrary — It’s founded upon divine revelation and learned reason.
- It is not entirely practiced by all states. Implementation varies according to legal traditions, culture, and local context.
- No compulsion in religion — Quran asserts, “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (2:256).
- Justice and mercy — Justice is enforced, but forgiveness and mercy are part and parcel of the very soul of Sharia.
7. Application of Sharia in Modern Life
Muslims and scholars apply Islamic Sharia law in the contemporary world by employing the art of Ijtihad (independent judgment) to deal with contemporary issues like finance, technology, bioethics, and governance, but in line with the center and heart of law.
8. Surah on Sharia Law: Quranic Foundations
No surah is titled “Surah Sharia,” but there are quite several Quranic verses that are the foundations of Sharia principles:
- Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3): brief halal/haram edicts
- Surah An-Nisa (4:58): justice and authority
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177): better than worship
- Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13): man as equal
These verses are the pillars on which Sharia is based on Quranic justice, mercy, and moral excellence.
9. FAQs
Q1: What is Sharia law?
A1: God’s code of morals and laws from Quran, Sunnah, and scholarly consensus—applicable to spiritual, moral, social, economic, and legal concerns.
Q2: What is Sharia forbidden to do?
A2: Worst of crimes (theft, adultery), alcohol, gambling, fraud on bargains, disrespect of family, and violence to other people’s rights.
Q3: Does Sharia cover Muslims alone?
A3: Sharia is incumbent on Muslimssuch that non-Muslims living under Muslim rule can keep their law while Sharia calls for justice in society.
Q4: Do all Muslim countries exist under Sharia?
A4: No, while some (e.g., Saudi Arabia) have Sharia completely (i.e., solely as law), others incorporate civil codes of law with family or inheritance law derived from Sharia.
Q5: Does Sharia encourage freedom of religion?
A5: Yes, Quran affirms “No compulsion in religion” (2:256), exercising respect toward the choice of a person and others’ religion.
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10. Final Thoughts: The Purpose Behind Sharia
The essence of Islamic Sharia law is submission and service to humankind by Him. Its purpose is:
- Guarding faith, soul, reason, posterity, and property
- Guarding justice and compassion
- It guides the believers into a realm of worship and service
Through submission to Sharia, Muslims embark on a symbiotic way of life: submission to God, justice to men, and obedient effort in society.
“Disclaimer: The Quranic verses and Hadiths quoted in this blog are presented as-is, for educational purposes. If any mistake is found, kindly contact us so we may correct it. We highly respect Islamic teachings and strive for 100% accuracy.”
