Reply to the misconception about shari’ah (Islamic law)

 

some claim that Islamic that islam is restrictive of essential liberties and incompatible to the advanced civilization of the world with concept of human rights.

 

 

    

part of this widely propagated misconception has been addressed in foreword. We note here that muslims believe that Islamic law is complete and comprehensive code of life , fully adpted and suitable in its principles and laws for every age, location and people .true liberty is librty from subservience to oppression whether it comes from one’s own selfish desires or of a ruling oligarchy or hierarchy . the worst subservience is to worship others besides the One Lord, Creator and Sustainer of man.islam does not accept the liberty of the libertine who thinks he may do whatever he desires no matter what. Islam is not only religion of spiritual bond between a person and his Lord and Creator, but includes temporal and worldly commandments for Allah, the Wise for every sphere of life, including the social, economic, and political. Islam organizes the relationship between man and His Creator as well as the relationship between man and his society and other peoples and nations. Unlike Judaism Islam is universal and is not limited for specific race of people. Although Christian claim universality, they have digressed from the path which was revealed unto Jesus (a.s) who said that, as they report:

“I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”(Mathew 15:24.)

   Jesus (a.s) also is reported to have said to his twelve disciples, who were  selected to match the twelve jewish tribes,

“To these twelve, jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, go not into the  way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”(Mathew 10:5-6)

   The prophet of islam (S.A.W) has been sent as a mercy for all mankind. Allah the most Exalted states in the glorious Qur’an:

‹We did not sent you but as a mercy for all creatures [worlds]›

   The Islamic shari’ah has two apects.one aspect of the law includes faith, belief, various acts of worship and the law that are constant, never subject to any changes regardless of differences of time or place. For instance, salah  (obligatory prayer) in islam is a ritual that has standard specification: recitation from the majestic Quran, bowings and prostrations, whether in Nigeria or Arabia or Indonesia. Similarly, zakkah (obligatory charity) has standardized and unalterable rates and amounts for various categories of wealth. Laws of inheritance are set and no one in the society has the right to modify them for some advantage of his out of spite. Punishments are set universally to forestall useless arguments and controversies. These permanent laws reinforce the underlying equality between all men since they are basically the same whether they live. The second aspect of the Islamic shari’ah is that many laws, especially those that regulate the relationships of man with his fellow man and other peoples and nations, are stated in general form wherein the details are left to be according to the needs that arise in the constantly changing conditions of the society. Such rules and regulations may be amended, altered and adapted within a general framework in view of the local needs. These changes or modifications, however, are to be supervised by specialists and jurists who understand well the principles of Islamic law and all developments in the current society. The principle of consolation, (shura), for instance is one example. This principle is mentioned in the majestic Qur’an in a general form without giving details to the mechanics. No binding information was given in the Qur’an that explains exactly how to apply, execute and implement shura in the Islamic society, although the sunnah (way) of the prophet (S.A.W) does give some guidance. This trait adaptability allows the Islamic scholars to interpret the details of shura to serve the requirements of every age and place. What is applicable for one generation or society can be made applicable for another with minor alteration according to the need of the time. This flexibility illustrates the validity, comprehensiveness, and universal scope of islam.

 

 

                                                                By HUZAIFA YAKUB

                                                          President huzex.com

                                                         (Curled from HUMAN RIGHT ISLAM

                                                         And common misconceptions. By

                                                      Abdur –Rahman A.Al-sheha)