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Sharia

In: Religion Topics

Submitted By kamauwanjage
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Why Is Shari`ah Law so Important to Muslims?

First, let me start by saying that in modern times Shari`ah was inaccurately translated as “Islamic Law”. This portrayed Shari`ah as merely a collection of laws and regulations. Perceiving Shari`ah as such has produced great confusion in regards to its importance in Islam.

The importance of Shari`ah can be seen through the meaning of the concept. The word shari`ah literally means a waterway that leads to a main stream, a drinking place, and a road or the right path. From this meaning, the word shari`ah was used to refer to a path or a passage that leads to an intended place, or to a certain goal.

The importance of Shari`ah is evident in the denotations of the literal meaning. Water is life for everything, Shari`ah is life for the Muslims’ souls and a way of life for them.

On the other hand, Shari`ah, conceptually, refers to a set of rules, regulations, teachings, and values governing the lives of Muslims. However, these rules and regulations, contrary to how they are often described by many non-Muslims, cover every aspect of life. Shari`ah embraces worship, morals and conduct, as well as it embraces the political, social and economic, as well as other spheres.

Muslims believe that the purpose of their creation in nothing but servitude [being servants to the creator of mankind]. They also believe that without the guidance of Allah (God) no one will meet this purpose. Therefore Allah sent messengers and prophets with teachings, values, rules and regulations to guide mankind to His way, the right way.

The first step in the fulfillment of the servitude mission is the complete submission to Allah, which is Islam. The second step is following the guidance of Allah, which is the Shari`ah. In other words, accepting Islam as a religion and the adherence to the Shari`ah as the guidance.

Hence, the

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