Introduction
Islam is religion (in Arabic called din) and means believing in the fundamentals of the Islamic faith as well as living according to its laws. Its "beliefs" are described as "the roots of religion" (usulu ‘d-din) and the "Shari’ah laws" are "the branches of religion" (furu’ ‘d-din). Beliefs without practice is incomplete Islam; and practice without belief may be useful in this world but not of much use in the hereafter. The word "shari’ah" literally means "a way" and in traditional Bedouin life, "a way to water". In Islamic terminology, it means Islam’s legal system – a system that dictates every aspect of life: personal and familial, religious and social, moral and political, economic and business, etc. Indeed, a "Muslim" is "one who submits (to God" and, as Surah Al-Ahzaab, 33:36 says, ‘When Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter, it is not for any believing man or believing woman to have a choice in their affair. And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has gone astray into clear error’. According to Islam, Man is a finite being – and therefore needs the guidance of his Creator. That guidance is the Qur’an which contains shari’ah. Man-made laws are never infallible nor are their implementations. According to Islam, Shari’ah is Man’s infallible guide. Muslim Professor Abdullah Saeed concludes then, that "What is prohibited in the Qur’an or in the traditions of the Prophet cannot be made permissible in Islam by any Muslim." And "What is permitted clearly in the Qur’an or in the traditions of the Prophet cannot be made prohibited." However, he goes on to say that, "In cases of necessity, prohibited things may become permissible for the duration of a need"! Shari’ah is comprised of five main branches: adab (behavior, morals and manners), ibadah (ritual worship), i’tiqadat (beliefs), mu’amalat (transactions and contracts) and ‘uqubat (punishments). Surah Al-Jathiya 45:18 = And now have We [Allah] set you (O Muhammad) on a clear road [Arabic word: Shariah] of (Our) commandment; so follow it, and follow not the whims of those who know not. This is the Shariah – Islamic Law, which Allah gave to Muhammad and it has impacted over 1.5 billion Muslims around the globe. Conservative Muslims believe that the Shariah is permanent for all people, in all nations, at all-time and does not change with time or conditions. They seek to introduce Shariah in all countries throughout the world. Now let us consider some facts related to Shariah – Islamic Law: