An interactive educational resource on the principles, sources, and application of Islamic jurisprudence
Sharia is the moral and legal framework of Islam, derived from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It governs religious rituals, daily life, ethics, business, family, and justice.
At its heart, Sharia aims to promote justice, compassion, and human welfare (maslaha). It is interpreted by qualified scholars through ijtihad applied to changing contexts.
Based on revelation (Quran) and Prophetic example (Sunnah)
Covers all aspects of human life — spiritual, social, economic, political
Aimed at achieving human welfare (maslaha) and preventing harm
Contains mechanisms for adaptation to changing times and circumstances
The ultimate goals of Sharia are to preserve five essential human interests:
Freedom of religious practice, preservation of religious values, protection of places of worship.
Sanctity of life, strong burden of proof in capital cases, healthcare and medical ethics.
Preservation of mental faculties, prohibition of intoxicants, pursuit of knowledge.
Family structure, marriage as legal framework, rights of children.
Safeguarding wealth, prohibition of theft & fraud, fair contracts, inheritance, zakat.
Exact words of God. 114 surahs. ~500 legal verses form the foundation.
Prophet's sayings, actions, and approvals. Clarifies Quranic injunctions.
Consensus of qualified scholars. Used for new challenges.
Analogical reasoning — applying existing laws to new circumstances.
Imam Abu Hanifa (d.767). Most widely followed. Emphasizes qiyas. Prevalent in Turkey, Central/South Asia.
Imam Malik (d.795). North Africa. Primacy of Medinan practice and public interest.
Imam al-Shafi'i (d.820). Egypt, SE Asia. Systematized usul al-fiqh.
Imam Ahmad (d.855). Saudi Arabia, Qatar. Most literal. Strict adherence to hadith.
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (d.765). Main Shia school. Iran, Iraq, Lebanon.
| Issue | Hanafi | Maliki | Shafi'i | Hanbali |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taraweeh rak'ahs | 8 + Witr | 8 (short) | 8 (variable) | 8 + Witr |
| Wudu: wiping feet | Over socks (masah) | No masah on socks | Over leather socks | No masah on socks |
| Adhan in ear (newborn) | Recommended | Not from Sunnah | Recommended | Recommended |
| Eating camel meat | Permissible | Permissible | Permissible | Permissible |
| Qunut in Witr | Before ruku | No fixed time | Before ruku | After ruku |
Note: All four Sunni schools are equally valid. Muslims may follow any school and may consult scholars from different schools for specific issues.
"Judge between them by what Allah has revealed." — Foundation of divine law.
"Obey Allah and obey the Messenger…" — Establishes sources & hierarchy.
"No compulsion in religion." — Freedom of religious choice.
"Be standing firm in justice… even against yourselves." — Justice as core.
"Fulfill every commitment." — Foundation of contract law.
"In legal retribution is life." — Proportional justice.
"Actions are judged by intentions." (Bukhari & Muslim) — Fundamental maxim.
"No harm nor reciprocating harm." (Ibn Majah) — Basis for tort law.
"Proof on claimant, oath on denier." (Tirmidhi)
"Every intoxicant is forbidden." (Muslim) — Demonstrates qiyas.
"Reconciliation is permissible among Muslims." (Abu Dawud)
"Acts are judged by intentions." — Validity depends on intention.
"Certainty is not removed by doubt."
"Hardship begets facility." — Concessions during difficulty.
"Harm must be eliminated."
"Custom is authoritative." — Local customs valid when not contradicting text.
| Field | Principle | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Finance | No Riba | Islamic banking: mudarabah, musharakah |
| Family Law | Marriage & Divorce | Nikah contracts, rights of spouses |
| Business | Ethical Trade | No gharar, fraud, or unfair advantage |
| Medical Ethics | Sanctity of Life | Rulings on euthanasia, organ donation |
| Technology | Digital Ethics | Privacy, data protection, AI ethics |
| Environment | Stewardship | Conservation, no israf (waste) |
Permissible if: real utility, not speculative, no excessive gharar.
Darura permits normally prohibited actions.
Extended from Quranic prohibition of spying.
Test your understanding of Sharia law fundamentals.
Click a term to expand its definition.
Fatwa database across all schools.
Academic portal from Harvard Law.
Free courses and fatwa service.
UK council: family law & finance.