Term for Identification: Shari'a

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Shari'a, also spelled Sharia, refers to the religious legal system governing the members of the Islamic faith. It is derived from the religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Quran and the Hadith. In Arabic, the term "shari'a" means "the clear, well-trodden path to water," symbolizing the path to righteousness and the divine law that every Muslim is expected to follow.

Shari'a covers a broad range of topics, including daily routines, familial and religious obligations, and business dealings. It encompasses both personal ethics and morals, as well as the legal framework for contracts, property, marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Shari'a is not a single codified set of laws; rather, it is interpreted differently based on various schools of Islamic thought and the particular legal scholars who are interpreting it.

In countries with a Muslim majority, Shari'a may form the basis for the legal system, either in whole or in part. However, the application and integration of Shari'a into the legal system vary widely by country. Some nations apply Shari'a strictly, while others use it as a source of legislation to be interpreted and adapted in conjunction with other forms of jurisprudence.

It is important to note that the application of Shari'a, particularly in areas such as criminal justice, has been a subject of international debate and criticism, especially when it comes to human rights issues. Practices such as corporal punishment, the treatment of women, and the rights of non-Muslims under Shari'a can be contentious and are often discussed in the context of the need for reform or human rights considerations.

Term for Identification: Shari'a

Definitions: