For many in the West today, “Shariah” is a word that evokes fear—fear of a medieval legal system that issues draconian punishments, fear of relegation of women and religious minorities to second-class citizenship, fear of Muslims living as separate communities who refuse to integrate with...
An important prophetic tradition maintains that “Islam was built upon five ‘foundations.’ ” The Five Pillars (the profession of faith [shahadah], daily prayers [salat], almsgiving [zakat], the fast of Ramadan [sawm], and the pilgrimage to Mecca [Hajj])...
Shariah is a word that evokes condemnation from politicians, pundits, and others, yet it carries deep spiritual and social meaning for Muslims around the world. Understanding the origin and development of Shariah is critical to addressing widespread misunderstandings about Islamic law in the West as...
Shariah: What Everyone Needs to Know provides informed answers to many questions and charges that surround the debate over Shariah and Islamic Law. As its title indicates, we have written for a broad nonspecialist audience as well as for policymakers, political commentators, religious leaders,...
The Shariah principle of moderation occupies a middle position between liberal capitalism and socialism. Islam is a practical religion. Its links to trade and commerce originated with Muhammad’s experience with caravan trade and his marriage to Khadijah, a wealthy merchant. The prophetic messages in the...
Criticisms of Islam and Islamic law often focus on reports and media coverage of harsh hudud punishments in Muslim countries. This chapter compares the rationales and goals of Islamic criminal laws in their original context with hudud punishments in the post-colonial period. The original rigorous...
Throughout history, while the example of Muhammad as head of state and Shariah principles have been reference points, diverse and competing models of government and law have existed. Although many changes occurred with the spread of the Islamic Empire and the rise and fall of...
In the twenty-first century, it is crucial to understand the relationship between Shariah and scientific questions about life, including medical, bioethical, and environmental decisions. Historically, Muslims viewed scientific exploration as a way to express and deepen one’s faith. From 800 ce to the beginning of...
In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, visions of Islamic societies and claims to Islamic authenticity and legitimacy have expanded in many directions. At times, these calls for construction of societies are based on Islam and Shariah; at others, they call for defending the Muslim community...
Muslim countries and societies face major human rights challenges today, especially for those living under patriarchal societies and authoritarian rule. These include equal rights for women; freedom of religion, speech, and expression; and freedom of the press. Major polls report that majorities of Muslims strongly...
