ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books An Introduction to The Islamic Shari’ah The Shari'ah The Place of Shari'ah in Islam The word "shari'ah" literally means "a way." In Islamic terminology, it means the legal system of Islam. In this book, however, we will translate the word shari'ah as the laws of Islam or the Islamic laws. "Islam is a din -- a religion." What does a Muslim mean when he uses the word din or religion in this sentence?

Does it mean just "believing" in the funda­mentals of Islam? Or does it mean just "living" accord­ing to the teachings of Islam without actually believing in God? No, both these explanations are incomplete. The word din or religion, when used for Islam, means believing in the fundamentals as well as living according to the Islamic laws. This concept of religion is beautifully conveyed in the terms used by Islamic scholars to describe the fundamental beliefs and the practical laws of Islam.

The "beliefs" are described as "the roots of religion" (usulu 'd-din). The " shari'ah laws" are described as "the branches of religion" (furu’ 'd-din). Beliefs without practice is incomplete Islam; and practice without belief may be useful in this world but not of much use in the hereafter. The shari'ah is a complete way of life; no aspect of human life is outside its domain.

Islam expects a Muslim to follow its laws in every aspect of life: personal and familial, religious and social, moral and political, eco­nomic and business, etc. After all, "Muslim" means one who submits to God. The Qur'an says: When Allah' and His Messenger have decreed a matter, it is not for any believing man or believing woman to have a choice in their affair. And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has gone astray into clear error.

(Surah Al-Ahzaab, 33:36) What is the need for the Shari'ah? Man's nature dictates that he can only function prop­erly within a society, and a society depends for its existence on laws and regulations. Islam teaches that God has sent a series of messengers and prophets with divine laws for man's guidance from the very first day of his creation.

The last Messenger was Prophet Muham­mad (may peace and blessings of God be upon him and his family) who brought the final and the perfect mes­sage, Islam, as a guide for mankind till the end of time. Many people think there is no need for God-made laws, we can make laws by ourselves.