What is Shariah?
Shariah refers to the divine guidance given by Allah for humanity, encompassing faith, worship, morality, personal conduct, family life, and social justice. It aims to promote mercy, fairness, and the well-being of individuals and society.
الشريعة هي منهج الله لتنظيم حياة الإنسان بالعدل والرحمة
Objectives of Shariah (Maqasid al-Shariah)
The primary objective of Shariah is to protect and promote essential human interests:
- ✔ Protection of Religion (Deen)
- ✔ Protection of Life (Nafs)
- ✔ Protection of Intellect (‘Aql)
- ✔ Protection of Family & Lineage (Nasl)
- ✔ Protection of Property (Mal)
Primary Sources of Shariah
Qur’an: The final revelation and supreme source of Islamic law.
Sunnah: The teachings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Ijma’: Consensus of qualified scholars on legal matters.
Qiyas: Analogical reasoning based on established principles.
Core Legal Maxims
- Justice (‘Adl): Fairness is the foundation of all rulings.
- No Harm (La Darar): Harm must be prevented and removed.
- Certainty: Certainty is not removed by doubt.
- Custom (‘Urf): Recognized customs may be considered.
- Ease: Hardship brings facilitation.
Categories of Shariah Rulings
- Obligatory (Fard/Wajib)
- Recommended (Mustahabb)
- Permissible (Mubah)
- Disliked (Makruh)
- Prohibited (Haram)
Shariah in Daily Life
Shariah guides daily actions including worship, family relationships, business transactions, ethical conduct, and social responsibility. Its goal is to create balance between spiritual devotion and worldly affairs.
Shariah in the Philippine Context
In the Philippines, Shariah is formally recognized through Muslim Personal Laws under Presidential Decree 1083. Shariah Courts handle matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family relations for Muslims, operating within the national legal framework.
Common Misconceptions
- ❌ Shariah is not merely criminal law
- ❌ Shariah is not culture-based
- ❌ Shariah does not contradict justice or human dignity
- ✔ Shariah emphasizes mercy, ethics, and social harmony