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27. mai 2017
The Road to the Watering Hole
Sharia covers all aspects of a Muslim’s life and is used as guidance for the right path to follow.
By:Elias SelhiExtended Research Essay. The A+ Wold Academy.
IntroductionCan a free society exist within the frameworks of Sharia Law? Sharia is a guiding tool for Muslims, and it is referred to as the true path to be followed by Muslim and it covers all the aspects of a Muslim’s life. In western countries Sharia is commonly viewed as something preventing freedom and as an oppressing force, but in no way, is Sharia intended to be. This perspective is not shared with the majority of Muslims in the world. The purpose of this paper is to answer what Sharia is really about,
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The importance of Sharia to Muslims can be seen through the meaning of it’s definition. Sharia’s literary definition, as mentioned earlier means a waterway that leads to a drinking place, and a road or the right path. Hence, the importance for Sharia is evident for Muslims. Since water is life for everything, Sharia is indeed a way of life to live for a Muslim. Sharia is important to Muslims in the sense that it is both universal and egalitarian (Exposito, 1988). Sharia is applicable for all mankind and does not differentiate between ethnicity, as mention earlier. Islamic Sharia concerns with what a Muslim should do and what a Muslim should not to, no matter where that Muslim stand on the social hierarchy.Sharia is also important to Muslims because it stresses the importance of unity. Exposito (1988) Explains it in the following way: “All Muslims, Arab and non-Arab, rich and poor, black and white, caliph or craftsman, male and female, are bound by Islamic law as members of a single, transnational community of brotherhood of believers”. The importance of unity is also an obligation for the Muslims and it prescribed in the Quran (Ali, 2003): “And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah stretches out for you and be not divided among your selves; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace you became brothers and you were on the brink of the Pit of Fire and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Signs clear to you that you may be guided” (Quran, 3:193). The importance of Sharia for Muslims is also vital in the sense that it is for all times to come, and equally valid under all circumstances. Sharia cannot be adjusted to conform to changing human values and conduct must conform. This creates comfort for believers, as it gives a holy status for the laws. A modernization of human values are not necessary positive, and for one that believes that the Quran is divine, there is a certain
It is divided into 4 key areas, laws relating to personal acts of worship, laws relating to commercial dealings, laws relating to marriage and divorce and penal laws. Compared to the 10 Commandments which is concise and simple, the Sharia Law is quite extensive and goes into personal matter such as hygiene, diet, dress code and sexual matters, whereas the 10 Commandment primarily cover ways to avoid sin. The 10 Commandments and the Sharia Law both condemn idolatry, murder, adultery, theft, the intentional desire and longing for immoral sexuality and the wanting or taking of someone’s property. The Qur’an has stated multiple punishments for not following the Sharia Law, these include beheading/crucifixion (Qur’an 5:33), flogging (Qur’an 24:2) and hellfire (Qur;an 40:70-72). This is different to the 10 Commandments as there are no punishments for not following the 10 Commandments. Although the 10 Commandments and the Sharia Law are two different aspects of the ethical dimension of Catholicism and Islam, through the evaluation of those ethical rules, there are a number of similarities and difference noted which link the two religions
Women have always been thought of as something that needed to be controlled in Muslim culture. Their bodies are a source of shame that must be covered during prayer and also in the public (Mir-Hosseini 2007: 3). Veiling, done by a hijab or chador, is when women either wear a headscarf to cover themselves or they wear a veil that covers their entire body, excluding her hands and eyes (Mir-Hosseini 2007: 1; Mir-Hosseini 2003: 41; Berger 1998: 93; Smith-Hefner 2007: 390-391; Brenner 1996: 674; El Guindi 1999: 6). Veiling is used as a tool for oppression. By having women veil themselves, it enforces the control by the male run and male dominated society (Mir-Hosseini 2007: 7). Also, the punishment for women appearing without a veil transitioned as the concept of veiling was addressed, transitioning from seventy-four lashes, to being arrested and held between ten days and two months for being “immodest” women and offending public morality, or fined 50,000 to 500,000 rials (Mir-Hosseini 2007: 8). The oppression of veiling is perpetuated through the thought that it is a woman’s religious duty to wear one, condemning foreigners and women in society if they refuse. Although it is a tool for oppression, there was resistance the oppression. In ...
Western, David. “Islamic ‘Purse Strings’: the Key to Amelioration of Women’s legal Rights in the Middle East” Air Force law and Review Vol. 61. 0094-8381(2008): p79-147.
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The hijab, while not always popular, has seem to be customary for most women to wear in the Islam world for good or for bad. Prior to the 21st century the hijab was not very popular and was looked as a rarity, but now most women adopted this clothing choice for a multitude of reasons. Many women choose to wear it because they feel god instructed women to wear it, to highlight modesty, to show faith in god, or to show Muslim identity. There are many reasons women wear the hijab, even if the veil is forced upon them because of family members; However, the sight of the veil concerns many women activists whose main priority is to insure equality for all women. Many women activists don’t like the veil to be forced upon women and the idea
Islamic teachings that are followed by Muslims around the globe do not have same context and applicability like other religions of the world. Islam not only tells about the way of worshiping the Lord and behaving like a good human being but it also give a complete code of life. It includes political, military, social, financial, legal and governance systems. Non-Muslims normally con...
Contrary to popular belief, Islam is a religion that respects the rights of women. I was raised in a devout Muslim household, and I was raised to believe that women in Islam are amazing and powerful creatures that deserve respect, and this has had a massive impact on the woman that I aspire to be.
Islam had the idea of equality, (xplaiN) and it had some strict laws about monotheism which grabbed the attention of so many people. In Islamic laws, there are lot more importance on equality among the people, that means the followers of Islam. According to the law of Islam, no one is superior to other. Any person can have the chance to live their life to the fullest. The idea of equality appeals the religion in the eye of new believers. People from different background or different identity can stay together under the same roof of Isl...
The traditions of Islam revolve around the blessed words of Muhammad revealed to him through Allah. These revelations guide Muslims through not only the act of worship, but also through a lifestyle strictly designated in the words of the Qur'an. Those who criticize Islamic customs often accuse the Qur’an of attempting to govern society under prehistoric law. This holy book dates back to the lifetime of the prophet Muhammad in the 7th centuries Clearly times have changed; yet many Islamic customs have not evolved through time. One of the most controversial topics in Islam today addresses women’s issues. Popular American culture portrays Islamic women as veiled and silenced figures living in a world of submission. Feminist groups in the United States focus on Muslim women and attempt to liberate the strong hold of Islamic tradition on women’s freedom. Over 900 million Muslims continue to worship Allah worldwide. Islam continues to thrive as one of the major monotheistic religions across cultures and the followers of Islam respect and defend the words and customs laid out in the Qur’an.
The Muslim faith is a complete way of life and has rules that preside over everything from marriage, diet to manners etc, they bel...
The role and place of Women in Islam has changed drastically, in a positive way, over the past millennium: the changes can be greatly attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, and the Qur’an. To understand the changes in women’s rights and freedoms, one must understand their role and place before Islam was created, which happened in the Arabia Peninsula, now Saudi Arabia (Angha). Before Islam was formed women lacked many of the basic human rights, and they were treated as more of a burden in their culture then someone who should be respected, but that is not the case today. Though women in Islam have gained many rights, there is still some controversy over whether or not women are still being oppressed and treated like second class citizens compared
In this book , Esposito provides a succinct, up-to-date survey of the Islamic experience, an introduction to the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its origins to its contemporary resurgence. He traces the emergence and development of this dynamic faith and its impact on world history and politics. He discusses the formation of Islamic belief and practice (law, theology, philosophy, and mysticism), chronicling the struggle of Muslims to define and adhere to their Islamic way of life. Equally important is the essential information Esposito provides on the contemporary world of Islam, from Muslim responses to the challenges of colonialism and modernization to the reassertion of Islam in politics and society.
Religion is an important factor in many lives in today’s society. A particular western religion that is taken very seriously by many is known as Islam. Essentially, Islam means “submission”, or in other words a person is to abide by God and peace will follow. In order to comprehend the Islamic religion, it is consequential to view the major themes associated with this religion. By going through the central themes of Islam it could help others comprehend what is involved with this specific religion.
Quran is the complete epitome of Islam which truly defines what the jest and central idea of the Islam what Islam offers and what it requires from its worshippers and what Allah offers in this and the hereafter. The greatest qualities which helps to gain Allah’s mercy and those which annoys him are mentioned in the Quran in detail. A lot of miracles bestowed upon the prophets of Allah have been mentioned in the Quran which only highlights the importance of the Quran. Our Holy Prophet S.A.W.W has been bestowed the miracle of the Quran which just highlights its beauty and power. The greatness of the Quran is even more prominent due to the fact that it hasn’t changed throughout the centuries. The Quran is also written in very clear and understanding