SHARĪʿAH (شريعة)
Definition
Sharīʿah (شريعة) is the Islamic legal system derived from the Qur’ān, the Hadith (traditional sayings and actions of the Prophet Muḥammad), Ijma’ (consensus), and Qiyas (analogical reasoning). It is a comprehensive system that governs not only religious rituals but also aspects of day-to-day life including moral conduct, family matters, business dealings, and judicial proceedings.
Etymology
The Arabic term شريعة (Sharīʿah) literally means “a path to be followed” or “a way.” The word is derived from the root ش ر ع (sh-r-ʿ), which refers to a clear path or a way to a watering place, symbolizing a clear and straight path to be followed by Muslims.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: شريعة
- Turkish: Şeriat
Components of Sharīʿah
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Qur’ān: The holy book of Islam, considered the verbatim word of God, is the primary source of Sharīʿah.
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Hadith: The recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muḥammad provide practical examples of Qur’anic principles.
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Ijma’ (Consensus): The consensus of the Islamic community or scholars plays a significant role in interpreting the law.
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Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning): Utilizes analogies to arrive at legal decisions for new situations by comparing them to precedents established in the Qur’ān and Hadith.
Purpose and Significance
Sharīʿah’s primary purpose is to guide Muslims in leading a righteous life in accordance with God’s will. It aims to preserve:
- Religion (Din)
- Life (Nafs)
- Intellect (Aql)
- Progeny (Nasl)
- Property (Māl)
Sharīʿah is considered essential for maintaining justice and ethical behavior in both personal and communal spheres.
Books for Further Study
- “An Introduction to Islamic Law” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “The Origins of Islamic Law: The Qur’an, the Muwatta’ and Madinan Amal” by Yasin Dutton
- “Islamic Law and Society: The Quest for Human Resilience” by Majid Khadduri
- “Shari’a: Theory, Practice, Transformations” by Wael B. Hallaq
Key Takeaways
- Sharīʿah embodies the totality of the guidance provided to Muslims through divine revelations.
- It integrates religious, moral, and social dimensions, guiding Muslims in living ethically and in harmony with Islamic principles.
- The system is comprehensive, affecting all facets of a believer’s life—to personal piety to community governance.
Conclusion
Sharīʿah is not merely a legal framework but a holistic approach to life encompassing morality, personal conduct, social justice, and legal principles in Islam. Through the consistent practice and adherence to Sharīʿah, Muslims strive to achieve righteousness and justice, reflecting divine intentions in every aspect of life.
Constructing this entry offers an intricate glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Sharīʿah, underscoring its centrality in the lives of Muslims and its broader implications for understanding Islamic jurisprudence and ethics.
