📖 The Law in Islam: Understanding Ash-Sharīʿah (الشريعة)
Comprehensive Definition
Ash-Sharīʿah (الشريعة) refers to the body of Islamic law derived from the Quran and the Hadith (traditions of Prophet Muhammad). Ash-Sharʿ (الشرع), often used synonymously, signifies “the way” or “the path to be followed.” Sharīʿah encompasses all aspects of a Muslim’s life, providing divine guidance on matters of faith, worship, morality, and societal transactions.
Etymology and Linguistic Roots
The term Ash-Sharīʿah originates from the root “Sh-R-ʿ,” which means “the path to water,” a lifeline in arid regions, symbolizing the Road or Way that guides the soul towards righteousness and divine pleasure.
Contextual Background
Sharīʿah is the central legal system in Islam, revealed for the guidance of humanity, both spiritually and temporally. It is based on four primary sources:
- The Quran - The holy book of Islam.
- The Sunnah - Practices and sayings of Prophet Muhammad.
- Ijmāʿ - Consensus amongst Islamic scholars.
- Qiyās - Analogical reasoning.
Cultural and Regional Applications
Although uniformly respected, the application of Sharīʿah varies greatly among different cultures and regions due to historical contexts, local traditions, and interpretations by various Islamic schools of thought (Madhahib), such as Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali in Sunni Islam, and the Ja’fari in Shia Islam.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Shariah
- Islamic Law
- Divine Law
- Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence interpreting Shariah)
Antonyms:
- Secular Law
- Man-made Law
Related Terms with Definitions
- Fiqh: The human interpretation and application of Sharīʿah.
- Ijtihad: Independent reasoning in legal matters.
- Fatwa: A legal ruling or interpretation given by qualified scholars.
- Hudud: Fixed punishments in Sharīʿah.
- Qadi: An Islamic judge.
- Sunnah: Practices and customs of Prophet Muhammad.
- Ijma‘: Consensus of the scholars.
- Tafsir: Commentary on the Quran.
Exciting Facts
- Sharīʿah governs not only religious rituals but also personal conduct, civil transactions, and even international relations in a truly comprehensive legal system.
- The Fiqh is developed from Sharīʿah and includes rules for everyday situations not explicitly covered in primary texts.
Quotations
- “We (God) put thee (Muhammad) in the right way concerning the affair.” — Quran, Sūrah 45:17.
- “To every one have we given a right way.” — Quran, Sūrah 5:52.
References
- ‘The Sharḥu ʾl-Muwāqif’ by Saiyid Sharīf-al-Jurjānī.
- ‘Sharḥu ʾl-ʿAqāʾid’ by Masʿūd Saʿdu d-dīn at-Taftāzānī.
- ‘Majmaʿu ʾl-Biḥār’ – Various interpretations and commentaries.
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies
- “The Reliance of the Traveller” by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri, a comprehensive manual of Islamic law.
- “Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali
- “Shariah: Theory, Practice and Transformations” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “Understanding Sharia: Islamic Law in a Globalized World” by Raficq S. Abdulla and Mohamed M. Keshavjee
- “Towards an Islamic Reformation” by Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im
Quizzes
Inspirational Thoughts
“To comprehend Shariah is to embark on a journey of understanding the divine balance between justice and mercy, guidance and law. Every aspect of life is illuminated in the brilliance of righteous adherence.”
Published on 2023-10-03 by Aisha al-Madina
Farewell Thought: Let the wisdom of Sharīʿah guide your thoughts and actions, opening an endless horizon of righteousness and piety. Remember, the path to understanding is a noble path, and every step towards knowledge is a step towards divine proximity.
