Understanding Islamic Shariah Law

What is Islamic Shariah law?

Islamic Shariah law refers to the legal system derived from the teachings of Islam, primarily the Quran and the Hadith, which are the recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. It encompasses a broad range of aspects of life, from personal conduct and family matters to business transactions and criminal justice. Shariah law aims to guide Muslims in living their lives according to Islamic principles, though its interpretation and implementation can vary significantly among different Muslim-majority countries and communities.

Main Components of Shariah Law

Shariah law is a complex and multifaceted system that provides guidance on a wide array of topics. These include:

Beliefs and theology Prayer and rituals Dietary laws and halal food standards Fasting during the month of Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) Hygiene and personal cleanliness practices Dress code and modesty guidelines Inheritance laws and practices Finance and banking operations Criminal law and punishment codes Family law and marriage regulations

The Basis of Shariah Law

Shariah law is based on the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the Hadith, which includes the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. Scholars derive legal rulings from these sources, as well as textbook jurisprudence (Fiqh), which is a system of reasoning to derive rulings from primary Islamic sources.

These rulings are interpreted and applied differently across various Muslim-majority countries and communities. The primary purpose of these interpretations is to ensure that Islamic principles are upheld in a manner that is relevant to the context in which they are applied.

Verifying Islamic Scholars

It is crucial to ensure that the Islamic scholars you are learning from are not introducing any innovations (Bid‘ah) into the practice of Shariah. True scholars should be able to quote previous Islamic scholars from several centuries ago to support their opinions. This is because Islam remains the same from the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the present day.

When verifying a scholar, you should:

Check for references to past scholars. A scholar who is not introducing any new opinions should be able to cite reputable scholars from the past to support their views. Research conflicting opinions. If a scholar cites an opinion that is contrary to the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, it is crucial to research the opinions of other scholars and verify the authenticity of the cited opinions. Evaluate the scholar's reputation. Scholars who introduceBid‘ah are often criticized by other scholars for their teachings, so checking the reputation of a scholar is essential.

To verify the authenticity of a scholar, you can look for fatwas (Islamic legal opinions) issued by reputable Islamic scholars or institutions. These fatwas often provide a contemporary interpretation of Shariah law in light of changing social and economic contexts.

Conclusion

Islamic Shariah law is a rich and complex legal system that guides Muslims in various aspects of their lives. Its core principles are derived from the Quran and Hadith, and it is interpreted and applied differently across different communities. By ensuring the authenticity of the scholars and the teachings they promote, individuals can gain a deeper understanding and practical application of Shariah law in their lives.