Sharia is a system of rules and customs that form the basis of Islamic law. They are based on the Koran, which is the holy book for all Muslims. The system also includes the biography and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, the Sunnah and the Hadith. Translated from Arabic, “Sharia” means “the right path” or “the path to water.”
For existence in the harsh Arabian desert, the second option is very relevant, it is a godly, correct direction. The designation was used not only by Muslims, but also by Zoroastrians, as well as Arab Christians. Sharia cannot be considered a collection of laws, but it contains a set of regulations that determine the daily existence of Muslims. It describes prayers, rules of conduct during fasting or pilgrimage, relationships with the surrounding reality and people who come across on the path of life.
Through Sharia, a Muslim can gain a clear understanding of how to make his life pleasing to God in every aspect of it – marriage and family relationships, connections in the business world, disputes over inheritance, charity, matters of faith.
Countries that live by Sharia law
In most countries of the Middle East and North Africa, Sharia is fundamental in family matters, especially when it comes to divorce, custody or parental rights, and inheritance disputes. In other countries, it is one of the components of criminal legislation:
– Iran;
– Iraq;
– Mauritania;
– Pakistan;
– Afghanistan;
– Yemen;
– Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States.
In the UK, Muslims can adhere to Sharia when it does not concern the laws. There are Sharia councils that are ready to help solve marital problems, as well as give recommendations for harmony in the personal life of local Muslims. Do not demonize the punishments provided by Sharia. A person can actually have his hand cut off in case of theft, but for this he will have to fulfill a number of additional conditions. I will not punish the poor, considering such theft to be forced. The theft must be very large, it must be proven 100% and mitigating circumstances must be rejected.
Truth and Myths about Punishments in Sharia
In theory, Sharia provides for severe physical punishments, such as public flogging, amputation of limbs, or stoning to death. The severity of the punishment depends on the severity of the offense, which is divided into two categories:
– Hadd – violations of the law for which punishments are established. In particular, theft may result in the amputation of the offender’s hand.
– Ta’zir – minor offenses, the punishment for which is determined by the judge.
For a crime to fall into the first category, it will be necessary to provide serious arguments that will testify against the offender. Radical punishments are distinguished by a high evidentiary bar. The punishment for adultery for a person bound by marriage is stoning to death. To apply such a punishment, it is necessary to find four witnesses to adultery, but this is very unlikely. Many punishments are prohibited by the UN, but can be applied in countries where Muslims predominate.
Prohibitions for women in sharia
The Koran granted women equal rights with men. They could choose a spouse at their own discretion, receive an education, inherit property, and even initiate divorce proceedings.
The classic formulation of Muslim divorce is widely known – a man should announce his intention to divorce three times. The nuance is that a decent amount of time must pass between these statements. The Koran gave an opportunity to think and improve relations, but theologians interpreted the words from the holy book in favor of men, missing important details.
After the adoption of Islam by tribal peoples, new provisions appeared in the Sharia. According to Islamic scholars, such rules are barbaric. This is an understanding of the status of a woman as the property of her father or male guardian.
Sharia in modern times
The Sharia norms began to be formulated in the 7th century, and began to be perceived not only as spiritual guidance, but also as law. The compatibility of Sharia with democracy and human rights is a matter of heated debate. Some states in North America directly prohibit its use.
Western civilization had to face a critical choice after interacting with Sharia. The main issues are:
– multiculturalism and respect for different cultures;
– secular laws and international principles that may conflict with Islamic traditions.
In practice, this means scandals and ethnic disagreements. Women are often in the spotlight. They have to cover their heads or even their faces in European countries, where women are not required to adhere to clothing prohibitions.
In modern Islamic countries, Sharia is increasingly not accepted as an exact guide for all occasions. Eternal norms that are also accepted in other religions are considered mandatory. Courts are subject to legal codes that correspond to the laws adopted in the country.
Basic laws and principles of Sharia
There are three main categories of regulations:
– ibadat, the main body of norms;
– muamalat, the principles of interaction with other people. It includes rules of etiquette and good manners, prohibition of actions that indicate bad manners;
– uquba, punishment for violations committed in the first two categories.
Sharia also includes issues of religious dogma – aqida, and ethical issues – akhlaq.
The category of mubah considers neutral actions in relation to society. It allows:
– to consume harmless drinks that do not cause intoxication;
– to consume unauthorized drinks or products in case of extreme necessity;
– to marry several women.
Prohibited actions are called “makruh” and “haram”. Most of the prohibitions appeal to the moral and religious principles of Muslims:
– unfair trade;
– beating animals in the face;
– torture and abuse of people;
– non-payment of wages;
– using orphans’ property for one’s own purposes;
– gossip, slander and denunciations;
– alcohol consumption.
The list can be continued with other items that allow one to gain an understanding of how one should behave in everyday life.
Conclusion
Most often, a person’s religious affiliation is determined by the society in which he is born. From childhood, learning the laws of religion and the surrounding world, a person can change his worldview, convert to another faith, listening to his own feelings. Universal human values are similar in many religions that do not encourage murder, adultery, theft. The main task is to accept that there are many religious principles in the world, so you should not remake others to suit yourself. Each person has the right to choose and the opportunity to appreciate every minute of life.
