Some Muslims and non-Muslims alike may wonder how can we implement a law of 14 centuries ago today. It is a logical question if we do not have enough idea about the nature of the Islamic Shari'ah. But then, we also forget that human beings have written constitutions to last hundreds of years. If this is possible for the humans why is it not possible for God, Whose knowledge encompasses everything across time and space?What is the Ruling for a Muslim who Raises this Question?
A Muslim that raises this kind of question is, in fact, neglecting the very fact that as a Muslim he should believe that Allah is able to set laws to last till the Day of Judgment as He was able to create natural laws to last forever. Therefore, a Muslim should be cautious not to get trapped in plain heresy or disbelief. For Allah says: { But no by your Lord, they can have no real faith until they make you judge in all disputes between them and find in their souls no resistance against your decision, but accept them with the fullest conviction.} ( Holy Quraan 4:65 and see 59, 105; Holy Quraan 3:23-24; Holy Quraan 5:50;Holy Quraan 6:57,107; Holy Quraan 24:47-48,51; Holy Quraan 42:10.)
A Muslim also forgets that he has no choice to pick what he likes of the commandments of Allah and neglect what he does not. Allah says: { … then it is only a part of the book you believe in, and do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you behave like this but disgrace in this life? On the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allah is not unmindful of what you do.} ( Holy Quraan 42:10)
A true Muslim believes that Islamic teachings guarantee felicity and peace in this life for all people and other accountable beings, if it is implemented by most of them. It also guaranties success in this life and in the Hereafter if a Muslim implements most of it in his life.
In other words, the effect of Islamic law is not confined to the temporary life but includes the Eternal Life. A Muslim cannot ignore this fact, because he should believe that Divine law is better than any man-mad law. For Allah knows better what secures success in both lives for his creation.
Islamic law comprises basic rules or detailed rules that include the creatures'/people's relationship with Allah and the relationship among the creatures. In other words, Islam is a whole package deal comprising the basics of faith, the rituals, a complete set of laws, and moral values.
Islam did not leave any aspect of life without basic rules, which goes in harmony with the other basic rules to point in the end to the oneness of the source of the Divine law. The basic rule usually acts as a center or axis around which revolves the secondary rules and the exceptions.
Islam is more capable of balancing between reality and fantasy, the individual's rights and the group's rights and between the requirement of felicity in this world and in the Hereafter.
It has guaranteed, fourteen centuries ago, numerous rights for the weak, which human laws did not provide until the last century. These human laws are still struggling to keep up with Islam in this field.
Some people may oppose Islamic governments' enforcing extreme punishment, because they ignore few facts:
1. If a majority in any nation chooses the laws that guide the relationship among themselves and between them and the others inside the country, then even the democratic norms approve of it.
2. The United Nations asserts the right of self-determination for each nation.
3. There is a difference between the local government applying the law chosen by the majority and abusing the law against some citizens or foreigners.
4. Reviewing human experience with law making proves that, in many fields, Islamic law is more appropriate in preserving human rights and in balancing between the diversified and contradictory rights; i.e., between reality and fantasy, between the individuals and the groups and between the demands of the temporary life and the demands of the Eternal Life.
( Dr. Saeed Ismaeel )
2 comments:
its only in the last century the modern europe even considered debating weather women has souls. before that it was taken for granted that women doens't have souls... so why are we after their values and wisdom? 14 centuries ago we knew women had rights and we were giving them rights, such as inheritence etc.
for god sake would ppl look at the time when Muslims ruled Spain, Muslim used Quran and prophets teaching to gain the wealth and technology that they had at that time, when the Britons lived in huts and used urine to ease their dental pain. Muslim had surgical equipments. 1400 years old Quranic law gave the rights to the woman, Christians, Jews and everyone else in that community back than the whole Europe dealt with woman as a property so when the owner dies someone else inherits her.
if we all follow the true teaching of islam and implement Sharia we'd be off better than any other country.
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