Sharia is Islamic law that can be fully or partially enforced depending on the country. It governs all aspects of life in theocracies, but can be modernized in secular courts. Interpretation of Sharia varies among Muslim sects and countries, causing dissension. Certain laws are always applicable, but others are highly interpretive.
Sharia is Islamic law, taken from the Koran and other sources depending on one’s Muslim sect. The law may be fully enforced in theocracies, or it may be partially enforced, depending on the country. Some Muslim-majority countries interpret sharia and have secular judicial systems. Some have both secular and religious courts, and others have courts based only on strict interpretations of Sharia.
When Sharia is used in a theocracy, it governs all aspects of life. It tells what to eat, the punishment for adultery, how a divorce can be obtained, or what clothes are required. Sharia law can be modernized and interpreted, but this is more common in countries that recognize a secular court. When there is separation of church and state, Sharia governs social behavior, but does not establish punishments for violating social behavior or for criminal behavior.
When there is a debate about a particular Sharia code, it is called fiqh. It is not considered wrong to attempt fiqh so that you can best interpret the Sharia. Other books besides the Quran may be taken into account in determining the law. For example, Sunni Muslims tend to use both the Quran and the Sunna to determine laws. Some Muslims only use the Quran as a legal guide.
The interpretation of Sharia and its importance boil down to four basic groups of Islamic thought. Salafis advocate a return to the old Islamic ways and try to strictly follow the laws of the Koran. Secular Muslims want a clear separation between sharia and civil and penal laws. Traditionalists tend to follow sharia, but try to reconcile it with the modern world, particularly in the case of women’s rights. Reformers advocate new Islamic theories of legal proceedings, particularly regarding modern women.
The interpretation of sharia can cause dissension between Muslim sects and different Islamic countries. Yet certain laws are always applicable. Blasphemy, for example, is never permitted. However, dress codes, divorce, circumcision, and dietary laws are all highly interpretive. It is valuable to understand to what extent a country adheres to traditional Sharia before visiting it.
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