Shari’a: The Progression and Use of Islamic Law
In Islam, the word “Shari’a” represents a body of Islamic law. This Arabic term means "way" or "path." The technical use of Shari’a goes back to some passages in the Qur’an. One example is the following late Meccan passage: “We gave you a Shari’a in religion; follow it and do not follow the lusts of those who do not know” (Sura 45:18). Elsewhere, it is said, “To every one of you, we have given a shri’a and a minhaj (a clear way)” (Sura 5:48).
Shari’a is a legal framework in which the public and private aspects of life are regulated to a legal system based on Islam. In other words, Sharia deals with all aspects of day-to-day life, including religion, politics, economics, banking, business law, contract law, sexuality, and social issues. The three main categories of Shari’a are: Ibadat (Worship & ritual regulations), Mu’amalat (Social regulations), and Imama (Organizational rules).