Overview
This lecture introduces the foundations of Islamic Law (Sharia) and Jurisprudence, covering essential concepts, the Five Pillars of Islam, the Six Articles of Faith, Sharia’s meaning and domains, and its fundamental objectives and characteristics.
Basic Concepts: Islam and Iman
- Islam means "submission or surrender" in Arabic.
- If mentioned alone, Islam refers to the whole religion including beliefs, words, and deeds.
- If mentioned with Iman (faith), Islam means outward actions and words, and Iman refers to inner belief.
- The distinction between Islam and Iman depends on their usage together or separately in texts.
The Five Pillars of Islam
- Declaration: Testify there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.
- Prayer: Five obligatory daily prayers, each taking 5–10 minutes.
- Zakat: Annual almsgiving (2.5% of savings) if wealth exceeds the required minimum for a year.
- Fasting: Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca required once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
The Six Articles of Faith
- Belief in Allah: Oneness, attributes, and sovereignty of God.
- Belief in Angels: Created from light, always obey Allah.
- Belief in Scriptures: Allah revealed books for human guidance.
- Belief in Prophets: Allah sent messengers as guides.
- Belief in the Last Day: Day of Judgment and recompense for actions.
- Belief in Divine Decree: All events, good or bad, are predestined by Allah.
Meaning and Characteristics of Sharia
- Sharia literally means "straight path" or "path to a watering place."
- Technically, it is the totality of Allah’s commandments as revealed to His messengers.
- Sharia is divine, comprehensive, eternal, idealistic, realistic, and practical.
- Justice (adl) is a core value in Sharia, requiring fairness and respect for all people.
Domains of Sharia
- Islamic Beliefs: Laws about correct faith.
- Acts of Worship: Guidance on how to worship Allah.
- Morals and Ethics: Prescribed manners and morals.
- Social Transactions: Laws on dealings such as trade, marriage, and divorce.
- Penal Law: Punishments for specific crimes.
Maqasid al-Sharia (Objectives of Sharia)
- Protects five (sometimes six) essentials: religion, life, lineage/honor, intellect, property, and sometimes honor.
- Allah’s commands promote benefit (maslahah) and prevent harm (mafsadah).
- Essential interests: must be protected; their destruction leads to societal ruin.
- Complementary interests: neglect causes hardship, not destruction.
- Embellishments: neglect causes discomfort, not hardship.
Other Objectives and Features of Sharia
- Educates individuals and reforms society.
- Upholds justice in all aspects of life.
- Of divine origin, free from flaws, and equally applicable to all.
- Universal, practical, and addresses all human needs.
- Seeks to maximize benefit and minimize harm in society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Islam — Submission to Allah; the entire religion.
- Iman — Inner faith or belief.
- Sharia — Divine law revealed by Allah guiding all aspects of life.
- Adl (Justice) — Placing things in their right place; fairness.
- Maqasid al-Sharia — Fundamental objectives: protecting religion, life, lineage, intellect, property, and sometimes honor.
- Maslahah — Benefit, interest, or good derived from rulings.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review definitions and distinctions between Islam, Iman, and Sharia.
- Prepare for in-depth study of key Islamic legal terms in upcoming sessions.
- Reflect on the Five Pillars and Six Articles of Faith as foundational knowledge.