Introduction
When people hear the word Shariah, it often sparks curiosity — and sometimes misconceptions. In reality, Shariah simply means “the way” or “the path” — the guidance Allah has revealed for humanity to live justly, ethically, and in harmony with His commands.
The foundation of Shariah is not based on culture or politics, but on the Quran and Sunnah. In this blog, we’ll explore what the Quran teaches about Islamic law, how it guides personal and social life, and where you can find authentic resources to study it further.
What is Shariah?
- Literal Meaning: “Path to water” — symbolizing a way to live that nourishes the soul.
- Source: Primarily from the Quran (direct revelation) and Sunnah (teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
- Purpose: To ensure justice, morality, and spiritual well-being.
Shariah is not just about punishments or rules; it covers:
- Worship (prayer, fasting, zakat, hajj).
- Family life (marriage, inheritance, rights).
- Business ethics.
- Criminal justice.
- Governance and social justice.
The Quran: The Fountainhead of Islamic Law
The Quran is the primary source of Shariah. Every ruling or principle in Islam is derived directly or indirectly from its verses.
Examples:
- Worship: Commands to establish prayer (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43).
- Family: Laws of inheritance (Surah An-Nisa 4:11).
- Justice: Stand firm for justice, even against yourself (Surah An-Nisa 4:135).
- Economics: Prohibition of interest (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275).
📘 For a detailed study:
Objectives of Shariah (Maqasid al-Shariah)
Islamic law is not rigid; it is built around five universal objectives to protect:
- Faith (Deen).
- Life (Nafs).
- Intellect (Aql).
- Wealth (Maal).
- Lineage/Family (Nasl).
Every ruling in the Quran aims to preserve and protect these essential human rights.
Common Misconceptions About Shariah
- “Shariah is harsh or outdated.” In reality, it is based on mercy and justice. Punitive laws are a small fraction of it.
- “It’s only about punishments.” Shariah covers spirituality, worship, morality, and social welfare.
- “It conflicts with modern life.” Many principles (justice, charity, rights of women) align with universal values.
Studying Shariah Step by Step
For beginners, here’s how to approach Quranic law:
- Read basic introductions (like Introduction to Islam).
- Study focused works like Quran: The Fountainhead of Shariah.
- Join study circles or online classes on Quran and Tafseer.
- Compare with modern issues — how Shariah applies to justice, business, and family life today.
Recommended Free Books on Quranic Law
From The Quran Foundation collection:
- The Essence of Islam (Vol. 1) – Introduces Quranic principles.
- Quran: The Fountainhead of Islamic Law (Vol. 6) – Dedicated study of Shariah.
Both are available as free PDFs and hardcopies on Amazon.
Conclusion
Shariah is not a set of punishments but a comprehensive way of life rooted in the Quran. It ensures justice, fairness, and spiritual well-being for individuals and society. By studying authentic Tafseer and reliable resources, Muslims can understand Shariah beyond misconceptions and apply its wisdom in modern life.
👉 Start your journey with free resources at The Quran for Free.
