What is the sharia and how is it applied?

Question

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim · Accepted Answer

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote that the sharia is built entirely on wisdom and the welfare of mankind in this life and the next — it is justice, mercy, benefit, and wisdom in its totality. Any ruling that departs from justice into oppression, from mercy into cruelty, or from benefit into harm is not part of the sharia even if introduced under that name. It is applied through the Quran, the authentic Sunnah, the consensus of the Companions, and qiyas built upon them.

Shaykh Ibn Baz · Answer

Sharia, in its technical Islamic sense, refers to the entirety of the religious and practical commands that Allah has legislated for His servants, encompassing all aspects of life. It is the complete code of life revealed by Allah through His final Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The primary and foundational sources of the Sharia are the Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah (the Prophet's teachings, actions, and approvals).

Its application is not confined merely to individual acts of worship like prayer and fasting; rather, it is a comprehensive system that organizes the relationship between man and his Lord, the individual's personal life, and all societal affairs, including governance, judicial matters, financial transactions, and family law.

Shaykh Ibn Baz clarifies that it is obligatory (wajib) upon all Muslims, rulers and the ruled, to refer to the Sharia for judgment in all matters and to implement its rulings. To willingly seek judgment from man-made laws or other systems in opposition to the Sharia is a grave sin. This obligation is established by numerous texts in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Allah, the Most High, says: 'But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.' (An-Nisa 4:65). He also warns against abandoning His law, stating: 'And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers.' (Al-Ma'idah 5:44).

Therefore, the application of Sharia involves the adherence of every Muslim to its rulings in their personal capacity, and the establishment of its laws and principles in the governance of a Muslim society, ensuring that justice is administered and rights are upheld according to divine legislation.

Lajnah ad-Da'imah · Answer

The term "Sharia" refers to the totality of the Islamic religion, encompassing its beliefs, morals, and the practical rulings ordained by Allah for His servants. It is not merely a set of legal punishments, but a complete and comprehensive way of life that governs all matters, from acts of worship (`ibadat) like prayer and fasting, to financial and social transactions (`mu'amalat`), family law, and personal conduct.

The primary and infallible sources of the Sharia are the Qur'an, the direct word of Allah, and the authentic Sunnah—the teachings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These two sources are to be understood according to the methodology of the pious predecessors (the Salaf as-Salih).

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta has clarified that the application of Sharia is obligatory upon all Muslims, both at the individual and state level. For an individual, it involves adhering to the commandments of Allah in their personal life, such as performing the five daily prayers, consuming only that which is halal, and dealing justly with others. For the society, it requires that the laws of the land be based on the legislation of Allah. Ruling by anything other than the Sharia in matters of governance and law is considered a grave sin.

Allah says in the Qur'an, commanding the Prophet and the believers to judge by His revelation:

> "And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers." (Al-Ma'idah 5:44)

Therefore, the Sharia is the divine system given by Allah as a mercy to mankind, providing guidance for achieving success and justice in this life and the Hereafter.

General Beliefs

What is the sharia and how is it applied?

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