Sources of Islam /Shariah

AMEENULLAH SHEIKH
ameenullah.shaikh@iqra.edu.pk

Presentation Outline

Definition of Islam Definition of Shariah Sources of Shariah

Islamic Economic System

What is Islam?
Islam is a religion that provides a set of

rules for life and we therefore call it a 'code of life' which means a code or system that covers all aspects of life of a human being.

Definition

SHARIAH
1. 2.

Lexical meaning: Plain Way Technical meaning:The Divine Law

Definition

Then We have put you (O prophet) on a plain way of (our) commandment. So follow it and do not follow the desires of those who do not know. (45:18)

Sources of Shariah

1.
2. 3. 4.

The Holy Quran The Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAW) Ijma (consensus of the Ummah) Qiyas (Anology)

The Holy Quran

Express Injunctions have no room for different interpretations

Implied injunctions may be interpreted in different ways by way of inference

Sunnah

Definition: A word spoken or an act done or ratified by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)

It is a source of law because the Holy Quran itself has made it obligatory for every believer that he obeys and follows the Holy Prophet:

Sunnah

And obey Allah and His Messenger, if you are believers (8:1)

Ijma

Ijma means consensus of the scholars of the ummah on a particular issue The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said:

My Ummah shall never be combined on an error.

Qiyas ( Analogy)

To apply a recognized rule of Shariah expressly mentioned in the Holy Quran and Sunnah to a similar thing or situation by way of analogy.
Ijtihad is the part of Qiyas (Analogy)

Ijtihad
Literal meanings: To exert ones utmost effort Technical Meaning: To exert utmost effort to discover a ruling of Shariah in a particular matter

Origin of Ijtihad
When the Holy Prophet (SAW) intended to send his companion Muadh, may Allah be pleased with him, to Yaman as a ruler and as a judge, he asked him: How will you adjudicate a matter when it will come to you? He Said, I shall decide on the basis of Allahs Book (the Holy Quran) The Holy Prophet asked, if you do not find it in Allahs Book (what will you do)? He said: then, on the basis of the Sunnah of Allahs Messenger.

Origin of Ijtihad
If you do not find it even in the Sunnah of Allahs Messenger (what will you do)? The Holy Prophet asked. He replied: I shall make ijtihad on the basis of my understanding and will not spare any effort (to reach the truth). On this the Holy Prophet (SAW) said, Praise be to Allah, who has let the messenger of the messenger of Allah to do what pleases Allahs messenger. (Abu Dawood, Hadith no3592)

Requirement of Ijtihad
Extensive knowledge of :

The Arabic language and literature The Holy Quran The back ground of the verses of the Holy Quran called Asbab-un-nuzool Critical studies of the traditions relevant to the exegesis of the Quran Sunnah

Requirement of Ijtihad
Extensive knowledge of :

Critical studies of ahadith and their authenticity Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)

Thank You