Characteristics of Islamic Shari'ah

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe. May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon Muhammad sallallahi 'alaihi wasallam, his household, his companions, callers to his call, and followers of his way until the Day of Judgement.

Assalamua'alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Alhamdulillah, biizinillah I had came across with an instructive book entitled Al Islam Syariah Azzaman Wal Makan i.e ISLAM The Law of Life written by 'Abdullah Nasih 'Ulwan, a Professor of Islamic Studies. This English edition had been published by Dar Al-Salam.

I found the importance of discussing on points described by the author. It's so paramount as all humanity is in a pressing need for a governing system that can solve the problems of the people and organize their in between relationships; however, the man-made laws failed to attain these aims.

Allah, Exalted be He, created mankind and knows well what can achieve every good thing to humanity. Thus, He revealed the laws (Islamic Shari'ah) that can attain these aims. What remains is to follow and activate these laws practically.

The Qur'an confirms its eternity and completeness. Allah declares in Sura Al-Ma'idah, verse 3:

This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.

This book illustrates the characteristics of the Islamic law and its preference over any positive law enacted by man. These characteristics have been acknowledged by the test of time and the testimony of reality i.e the latest theories of law and the testimony of international conferences. Furthermore, this book makes a just comparison between Islam and Christianity, and clarifies the characteristics, nature, and aim of each religion.
It highlights for Muslims nowadays that when their forefathers believed in Islam as a religion and a state, worship and policy, governing system and way of life, they achieved glory and victory. authority, elevation, and established the highest level of civilization in history.

Allah azza wajalla says in the Qur'an in Sura Al-Ahzab, verse 36:

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.

Allah is Ever-Knowing of everything. He legislates laws that are suitable for His creatures' circumstances and nature. Allah, the Almighty says in Sura Al-Mulk, verse 14:

Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves) All-Aware (of everything).

And, wonderfully, Allah intends for us a simplicity, rationality and ease. As Allah says in Sura Al-Baqarah, verse 185:

Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make difficult for you.

There are ten Characteristics of Islamic Shari'ah being discussed here. Alhamdulillah.

I. Divinity
II. Universality
III. Comprehensiveness
IV. Development and Renewal
V. Balance between the Worldly Life and the Hereafter
VI. Balance between the Interest of the Individual and the Community
VII. Simplicity, Ease, and Rationality
VIII. Completeness, Seal, and Hegemony
IX. Originality and Eternity
X. Absolute Justice.

It is distinguished by divinity because it is a revelation from Allah. It is also distinguished by universality because it is for all mankind. It is also distinguished by comprehensiveness because it was revealed to be a way of life. It is also distinguished by development because it meets the needs of people in all times and places. It is also distinguished by eternity because it is comprised of teachings which are suitable for all times, until the end of the world.

Virtually, I had attracted with the way demonstrated by this author in expressing the need to comprehend the Islamic Shari'ah as the law of life well. He initiated his work by posing problem of many youths do not recognize the contents of Islamic Shari'ah and  its characteristics i.e divinity, universality, comprehensiveness, renewal and continuity. They failed to understand that Islam is a governing system, a constitution of state, a way of life, and the perfect system for any nation. Unfortunately, they think that the message and aim of Islam, like other religions, is confined to the Mosque, refining one's self, elevating one's soul, and reforming one's morality.

In fact, it is a great source of joy and happiness for Muslims to find believers throughout the Muslim world calling proudly:

"We want Islam to be the system by which we are ruled, the approach of life, and the Qur'an to be the law and constitution for the state. We wish to regainour glory and honor."
 
In the midst of these calls, there are other hostile calls, which are declared by agents of Kuffar who accuse Islam of apathy, backwardness, under development and delusion.

The author expounds in his writing that these agents are either malicious orientalists, mean atheists, sly crusaders, evil Zionists, ignorant communists or ignoble colonists. Unfortunately, some ignorant Muslims, who have little or no knowledge about Islam, except its name, have been driven by these biased calls. Too often, they even support them. They willingly believe their allegations without realizing the facts, or recognizing the dimensions of the accusations and plots.

In his view, if these supporters, who have been influenced by this intellectual invasion, could find someone to guide them to the right path, expose the real facts, and unfold the intricately beautiful concepts of Islam with regard to the cosmos, life and man, they will surely refuse all false claims and accusations. They will also return to a sound belief in Islam as both a religion and a state, a belief and a policy, and moreover they will become callers and fighters in its cause.

We must recognize and believe in Islamic great value and the teachings of the Qur'an. We will have no choice except to return to the way of the true, sincere Muslims upon which thee glory of Islam is based, the unity of Muslims is kept firm, and Islam is spread throughout the whole world. Nothing is difficult for Allah.

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note: jazakallahu khairan kathira my beloved brother, Akhi Muhammad Hanif Hassan :)
in malay, we say 'terima kasih daun keladi, semoga Allah berkati!'
Barakallahu fiik.

Barakallahu fiikum.
Wallahu a'lam bissowab.