Discover what Sharia Law (Shari‘ah) is, its roots in Islamic tradition, how it differs from man-made laws, and its role in contemporary societies.
What is Sharia Law?
The word Sharia (also spelled Shari‘ah) comes from the Arabic term meaning “a path to water,” symbolizing a clear path to guidance and moral living. In Islam, Sharia refers to divine law, a system of religious principles derived from the teachings of the Qur’an and the practices of Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah). For over a millennium, Sharia has guided the ethical, spiritual, and legal lives of Muslims across the globe
Where Does Sharia Come From?
Sharia law is not a man-made constitution, but a comprehensive framework rooted in four primary sources:
- The Qur’an – the holy book of Islam, seen as the direct word of God.
- The Sunnah – the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, recorded in the Hadith.
- Ijma (Consensus) – agreement among Islamic scholars on certain issues.
- Qiyas (Analogy) – applying existing rules to new situations using reasoning.
Together, these sources form a flexible, yet deeply rooted system meant to cover all aspects of life – from personal ethics to social justice, family life to finance, and spiritual rituals to criminal law.
Sharia vs. Islamic Law (Fiqh)
A key distinction is often missed: Sharia is the divine will of God – perfect and eternal. But Fiqh is the human interpretation of Sharia – a form of Islamic jurisprudence developed by scholars over time. While Sharia is unchanging, Fiqh can evolve, allowing different schools of thought (like Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) to interpret it in diverse ways. This distinction allows Islamic law to be dynamic and context-sensitive, adjusting to the times and places where it’s applied.
What Areas of Life Does Sharia Cover?
Sharia isn’t limited to criminal punishments, as often portrayed in media. In fact, only a small portion of it deals with criminal law. Most of it covers everyday life, including:
- Ritual practices like prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage.
- Family law, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
- Ethics and behavior, including honesty, charity, and modesty.
- Business and financial dealings, like contracts, trade, and interest-free banking.
In Muslim-majority countries, aspects of Sharia are often integrated into national legal systems, particularly in matters related to family and personal status.
Misconceptions About Sharia Law
Sharia law is one of the most misunderstood legal systems in the world. It is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all code. Instead, it is a moral and ethical framework that aims to create justice, compassion, and spiritual discipline. There are various interpretations depending on the region, culture, and school of thought. Importantly, punishments under Sharia (Hudud) are rarely applied and often require very strict evidence—making them practically impossible in most modern courts. Many Muslim scholars argue that Sharia should prioritize mercy, fairness, and societal well-being over harsh penalties.
Sharia in the Modern World
In today’s globalized world, Sharia continues to be practiced by Muslims in various ways. Some countries like Saudi Arabia or Iran incorporate it directly into their national law. Others, like Indonesia, Malaysia, or Pakistan, apply it selectively in areas like family or banking. In Western countries such as the UK, Sharia councils offer non-binding arbitration for Muslims on issues like divorce or inheritance.
At the same time, there is a growing conversation around Sharia reform. Many modern Islamic thinkers and scholars believe that new interpretations—rooted in the original ethical values of Islam—are needed to respond to today’s challenges, especially around gender rights, individual freedoms, and justice.
Why It Matters
Sharia law influences the daily lives of over 1.8 billion Muslims. Whether one agrees with its interpretations or not, it’s essential to understand Sharia beyond the headlines. At its core, Sharia is about living a just, balanced, and meaningful life according to God’s will. Like any living tradition, it is subject to evolution, debate, and reinterpretation.