Introduction of Islam

Section Six “Din and Shariah”

Background

We live in an age marked by anxiety and restlessness, as a subtle transformation sweeps across the globe. The old order is gradually disintegrating, and a new one is on the horizon. History shows that such periods of upheaval often give birth to fresh movements and cultures. Today, the world is saturated with tension, yet there is also an eager anticipation of a renaissance—a revival of humanity in the twentieth century.

A distinctive hallmark of our era is the widespread revival of Islam. After a long period of dormancy, the Islamic world is awakening from its slumber. A renewed consciousness is emerging, invigorating the global Muslim community in every corner of the world and carrying the potential to usher in a new age.

However, for this Islamic revival to herald a genuinely transformative era, it must be accompanied by an intellectual revolution—a comprehensive reassessment of Islam’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage, presented in language and ideas that resonate with contemporary thought.

Islam is not merely a collection of beliefs; it is a complete way of life that offers guidance for every aspect of human existence—spiritual, moral, social, and legal. This publication is designed to explore the foundational concepts of Islam in a structured and accessible manner, guiding readers step by step through its key principles.

The Complete Series:

The series is divided into seven sections, each delving into a critical aspect of Islam to provide a deep understanding of its fundamental teachings and practical applications. These sections include:

• Section One: The Meaning of Islam – Explores the essence of submission to God and lays the foundation for further study.
• Section Two: Faith and Obedience – Examines the intrinsic link between belief and action.
• Section Three: The Prophethood – Highlights the role and significance of the Prophets as divine messengers.
• Section Four: The Articles of Faith– Details the core tenets of Islamic belief and the practices that express them.
• Section Five: Prayer and Worship – Outlines the practices that express the core tenets of Islamic belief.
• Section Six: Din and Shari’ah – Explores how faith and divine law interact to guide personal and societal conduct. (You are here)
• Section Seven: The Principles of Shari’ah– Outlines the legal, ethical, and social frameworks that define Islam’s moral code.

Each section will be published separately, with links provided to previous chapters and glimpse for upcoming topics to ensure smooth continuity. At the end of each section, you’ll find a brief summary of what has been covered so far, followed by an introduction to the next topic—allowing you to follow a logical progression in your journey to understand Islam.

This series invites you to explore Islam comprehensively, from its core meaning to its extensive legal and ethical framework. Whether you are new to the subject or seeking to deepen your understanding, each installment builds upon the last, guiding you closer to the timeless wisdom and practical relevance of Islam.

Summary of Previous Sections “Meaning of Islam – Faith and Obedience –

Prophethood, Articles of Faith and Prayer and Worship”

• We have studied the core definition of Islam, understanding that it is a way of submission to God that encompasses every aspect of life. We have explored how Islam provides both spiritual fulfillment and practical guidance, ensuring a balanced and purposeful existence.
• We have studied the connection between faith and obedience, learning that true belief in God requires adherence to His guidance. Islam is a practical religion where faith is demonstrated through action, shaping individuals into morally responsible beings.
• We have studied the vital role of Prophets as divine messengers, learning how they conveyed God’s revelations and served as models for human behavior. Their mission was to lead humanity toward righteousness and ensure adherence to divine principles.
• We have studied the six Articles of Faith that define Islamic belief, covering the foundational concepts that shape a Muslim’s understanding of God, His divine justice, and the purpose of life.
• We have studied the significance of prayer and worship in Islam, understanding how devotion reinforces faith and fosters discipline. Religious practices serve as a means of maintaining spiritual purity and strengthening one’s relationship with God.

Din and Shariah

Din (Faith) and Shari’ah (Law) together form the Islamic way of life. While Din is the universal belief system shared by all Prophets, Shari’ah is the legal framework that governs the daily lives of Muslims. In this section, we examine how the Shari’ah provides guidance for personal behavior, social interactions, and governance.

Introduction

Up to this point, our discussion has centered on the core of Din—the foundational beliefs and the essential acts of worship that define the inner and outer commitment of a believer. We have explored what a Muslim must believe and how that belief is manifested through personal devotion and servitude to Allah. However, Islam is not limited to individual faith and ritual worship. It is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses all aspects of human existence—spiritual, moral, social, economic, legal, and political.

This broader, structured framework of divine guidance is encapsulated in what is known as the Shari‘ah—the practical code of life revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Shariah

• Distinction Between Din and Shari’ah

Before delving into its scope and significance, it is essential to understand the distinction between Din and Shari‘ah.

• • The Timeless Essence of Din

In previous sections, we noted that all the Prophets who appeared throughout history propagated Islam. This universal message consisted of belief in one God—with all His attributes—faith in the Day of Judgment, faith in the Prophets and the revealed Books, and the call to live a life of complete obedience and submission to the Lord. This is the essence of al-Din, a core teaching shared by all Prophets.

• • Shariah and Its Contextual Flexibility

Beyond this fundamental faith lies the Shari’ah, the detailed code of conduct. Shari’ah encompasses the specific laws, modes of worship, moral standards, and legal guidelines that distinguish right from wrong. Although every Prophet preached the same core faith, each brought with him a Shari’ah tailored to the conditions of his particular people and time. This approach was intended to train diverse communities across different ages for a more enlightened civilization and to equip them with higher moral standards.

• • The Universal Shariah of the Last Messenger

The process reached its culmination with the advent of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last Messenger, who introduced the final, universal code for all mankind. While the essence of Din remains unchanged, all previous Shari’ah have been abrogated in favor of the comprehensive Shari’ah brought by Muhammad (peace be upon him). This marks the climax of a long historical process of moral and spiritual training that began at the dawn of human civilization.

• The Sources of the Shari’ah

To understand the Shari’ah as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we rely on two primary sources: The Qur’an and the Hadith. The Qur’an, as divine revelation, comprises every word of instruction and every record of the Prophet’s conduct and behavior—as witnessed by those in his company and passed down through tradition. These revelations were carefully compiled by early scholars, with collections by Malik, Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah being considered the most authentic.

• • Fiqh

Fiqh is the detailed body of law derived from the Qur’an and the Ahadith, addressing the myriad issues that arise in daily life. Over the centuries, leading Islamic jurists devoted themselves to understanding these sources, enabling every Muslim to conduct their everyday affairs in accordance with the Shari’ah. Thanks to their efforts, Muslims throughout the world can follow the Shari’ah, even if they are not themselves capable of providing an authentic interpretation of the Qur’an or Hadith.

Initially, many religious scholars contributed to this task, but over time only four major schools of thought have remained:

• • • Fiqh-e-Hanafi: Compiled by Abu Hanifa Nu’man bin Thabit, with assistance from Abu Yusuf, Muhammad, Zufar, and others renowned for their religious scholarship.
    • Fiqh-e-Maliki: Derived by Malik bin Anas.
    • Fiqh-e-Shafi’i: Established by Muhammad bin Idris al-Shafi’i.
    • Fiqh-e-Hanbali: Founded by Ahmed bin Hanbal.

These schools were finalized within two hundred years of the Prophet’s time. Their differences arise naturally from the many facets of law and the varied perspectives of their founders. What unifies these schools is the unimpeachable integrity of their founders and the soundness of their methodologies. Consequently, Muslims from all backgrounds recognize the authenticity of all four schools. While one may choose to follow a particular school, others—such as the Ahl-i-Hadith—believe those with adequate knowledge should directly consult the Qur’an and Hadith, leaving the choice of jurisprudence to personal understanding.

• • Tasawwuf

While Fiqh governs the external, observable aspects of religious practice—the fulfillment of duties in their proper form—Tasawwuf concerns itself with the inner, spiritual dimensions of worship. For instance, in prayer, Fiqh evaluates if one performs ablution correctly, faces the Ka’bah, and observes the required timings and number of Rak’ats. Tasawwuf, however, assesses the degree of concentration, sincere devotion, spiritual purification, and moral transformation achieved through prayer.

Thus, true Islamic Tasawwuf is the cultivation of a deep, heartfelt love for Allah and for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), manifested in strict adherence to His commands as outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah. An act of worship that is procedurally correct but spiritually hollow is like a man who is handsome in appearance but lacking in character. Conversely, worship that is full of heartfelt devotion yet deficient in proper execution is like a noble man marred by physical deformity. Both Fiqh and Tasawwuf are indispensable; together, they ensure that our worship is both outwardly proper and inwardly sincere.

• Deviated Mysticism vs. Authentic Islam

Unfortunately, over time many Muslims, despite advancements in knowledge and character, became influenced by the misguided philosophies of dominant cultures. This led to the distortion of Islamic Tasawwuf with unjustified interpretations that stray from the Qur’an and Hadith. Gradually, a segment of the Muslim community emerged, believing themselves beyond the requirements of the Shari’ah. However, Islam cannot embrace a form of Tasawwuf that detaches from the Shari’ah or takes liberties with it. No Sufi is permitted to exceed the limits of the Shari’ah or dismiss the primary obligations—such as daily prayers, fasting, zakat, and Hajj. True Tasawwuf is characterized by an intense love for Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which necessitates strict obedience to the divine commands. Anyone who departs from these commands falsely claims love for Allah and His Messenger.

In this section, “Din and Shariah”

We studied that, Islam is not limited to individual faith and ritual worship. It is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses all aspects of human existence—spiritual, moral, social, economic, legal, and political. And how the practical code of life revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) i.e. Shariah, provides guidance for personal behavior, social interactions, and governance.

In the next section, “Principles of Shariah”

Having established the distinction between Din and Shari’ah, we now explore The Principles of Shari’ah. This final section will delve into the core legal and ethical principles that define Islamic law, ensuring justice, balance, and social harmony.