The legal framework that defines and regulates various matters related to the personal and professional life of Muslims is known as Islamic Sharia Law. The system is complete in its teachings of Islam and includes the punishments recommended by the Prophet of Allah (SWT) for big crimes like stealing, adultery, murder, and so on. Almost every matter of life has been clearly explained in the Quran as well as Hadith so there is no doubt left for any ruling. However, since the penalties are quite harsh as viewed by people following other religions, the Sharia Law is often criticized on a global level.
Not only the cases of Muslims, but the cases of non-Muslims also should be decided with justice. The Rasool was ordained:”Even if the non-Muslims come to you for the judgment of their cases: (5:42)”Judge between them with equity.
“There is a share for men and a share for women from what is left by parents and those nearest related, Whether the property be small or large a legal share.” (Aayah No. 7, Surah An-Nisa: Chapter No. 4, Holy Quran)
However, in reality the Islamic Sharia Law is one of the most complete and comprehensive laws in the world and explains each and everything in detail and also grants people the rights they are entitled to. Especially women are the major beneficiaries of the advantages of this law as there are strict rules and regulations regarding family matters like divorce, living in a joint family system, looking after the in-laws and the right to have a separate house. Unfortunately, in many societies around the globe these rights of women are neglected and overlooked.
“Take my advice with regard to women: Act kindly towards women, for they were created from a rib, and the most crooked part of a rib is its uppermost. If you attempt to straighten it ; you will break it, and if you leave it alone it will remain crooked; so act kindly toward women”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Because of the very reason stated above, the Islamic Sharia Law is growing in popularity all over the world. It is based on the teachings of Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) and there exists no disagreement among various schools of thought over the rulings. Having such a direct and neat legal system allows Muslims to lead a happy and stress-free life where everyone gets their legal share of rights. Another benefit of following this law is that it cannot be altered to suit the requirements of a society and is therefore implementable in every country and every culture around the globe.
And give the women (on marriage) their mahr as a (nikah) free gift” (Quran 4:4)
“… And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in a just manner.”
Death penalty is quite prevalent in the Islamic Sharia Law and this explains its strictness and sincerity. It is not possible to escape the penalty if a person has committed one of the serious offenses like murder or criticizing or denying any part or verse of the Quran. 100% Sharia Law is not practiced in any of the Muslim countries around the globe. However, a good percentage is practiced in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
“Those who do no judge by the law which Allah has sent down, are indeed the disbelievers” (Al Maida 44)
“The hand (of the Thief) should be cut off for (the theft of) a quarter of a diner or more.” [Al-Bukhari]
The implementation of Sharia Law is resisted mainly because the punishments are considered inhumane and harsh. However, in reality if these penalties are not being imposed in a society, the crimes become widespread and the criminals wander around shamelessly without any guilt for the crimes they have committed. In order to stop these offenders and those who are thinking to follow their path in order to become rich or gain some other benefits, the Islamic Sharia Law needs to be implemented in its true sense.
“Divorced women shall be maintained on a reasonable scale: This is a duty on the righteous.” (Quran 2:241)
“Believers! Fast is prescribed for you as it was for those before you so that you may ward off evil. (Fast) a certain number of days… (2: 182-183)
This post originally appeared “What is Islamic Sharia Law?“