Sharia Law (The Islamic Jurisprudence)

Myths vs. Reality

Myths and/ or Misconceptions

Sharia Law (Islam) is not: A tool used by Muslims to help them achieve Global Domination A set of old, uncivilized and impractical rules enforced upon people A way to harass, terrorize and punish those who do not believe in the Islamic Faith An extreme interpretation of Islam To force Non Muslims to convert To take away rights of Non Muslims A law used by a male dominating society of Muslims to enslave women Whatever the mass media is trying to brainwash the people with.

Reality:
The term Sharia in the dictionary According the dictionary, the word Sharia in the Arabic language literally means a way, a path, and a code of conduct. Sharia before Islam Sharia Law is no different than the set of values, principles and practices preached by other two Abrahmic faiths, Judaism and Christianity. The so called experts on the TV screen will never tell people that Sharia is not a new term. The religion of (Moses peace be upon him), (also known as Judaism) is based on certain principles, guide lines, rules and regulations. The Holy Torah (given to Moses by Almighty God) came with rules and regulations that nation of Moses was required to follow along with the beliefs in it. So in summary, the code of conduct that that nation was required to follow was called Mosaic Law, which is the Sharia of Moses. It is also called the Law of Moses, which, later on, was also revered by Jesus Christ. A classical example of Mosaic Law is the famous 10 commandments. In fact, Jesus Christ also followed a law and told people to follow it. The set of values, principles and guidelines practiced and preached by Jesus Christ was nothing but merely a Sharia(a path). For example, the 10 commandments are a part of his Sharia. In other words the Bible and Old Testament both are part of the Sharia (Law) of Jesus Christ.

Sharia in Islam Islam is the same religion that was practiced by Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (Peace be upon them all) that God is only One. No one is to be worshipped except Almighty God. Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the Messenger who preached this message of Monotheism. He was given a book by Almighty God, Just like Moses and Jesus were given Torah and Bible. This book is called the Quran, the Final word of God to the humanity. This book is preserved in its original form as it came down to the Messenger of God Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Instead of believing in peoples guesses and false claims, let us learn how God has mentioned Sharia in Quran. Then we have put you (O Muhammad SAW) on a way of our commandment, like the one which we commanded our Messengers before you. So, follow you that (Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not. (Chapter 45, V. 18) And We (Gods glorious self) have sent down to you (OMuhammad SAW) the Book ( the Quran) in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it and trustworthy in highness and witness over scriptures before. So, judge between them what Allah (Almighty God) has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, we have prescribed a law and a clear way. (Chapter 5, V. 48) Sharias Implication According to the Quran, Islam is a way of life. Meaning thereby, it is not a faith with few rituals like prayers or going to the places of worship. Rather, it is a complete way of life with guidance for its believers in every aspect. Sharia is merely a term used for practical implementation of Islams code of conduct in daily lives, whether it is on an individual or social level. The Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (also known as Sunnah) are the two sources of guidance in Islam. The code of conduct on both individual and social level is also extracted and implemented on the basis of these two main sources. The individual part of Sharia or Islam is a responsibility of the individual. Like daily prayers, fasting, charity, pilgrimage etc. On a communal and social level, the implication can be almost in every case one may think of. The examples are: marriage, divorce, inheritance, civil crimes, accidental crimes and so forth. The implication is based on the two primary sources and cannot be done except by the right authority. Let us take an example of a Non-Muslim minority living in an Islamic Country. The Muslim Government cannot simply make any laws they like and take their rights away merely because the majority voted for that. In fact, the law of Islam or in other words Shria, obligates/mandates the state with the following: Right to the equal protection of life, honor and privacy Right to have a permanent residency Freedom of worship and practice of religion in their places of worship

No one will be forced or pressured to convert to Islam by the state or any of its elements. Protection of their sacred places, properties and civil rights. Government is required to take measures to ensure their safety in case they are attacked by any individual or group regardless of their faith. Civil matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance and civil disputes will be judged on the basis of their own laws. Example: divorce cases between Christian couples have to be resolved on the basis of their law, not Islamic Law. They can chose Islamic Law if they like to.

Most of the Laws of Islam cannot be implemented without physically being in an Islamic Country. They are not meant to be implemented on other (non-Muslim/non-Islamic) nations. It is so, because Islam does not force others to follow or believe in its law or any of its tenants for that matter. Also, the judge in these matters has to have the knowledge of Quran and Sunnah to judge between people. Therefore, those who accuse Islam or Sharia being a tool used by Muslims for a global domination agenda are ignorant both about Islam and their own faiths.