HUM112_Handouts_Lecture09

Page 1: Introduction to Deen and Shari’ah

Deen

  • Multifaceted definition:;

    • Translates as "religion" or "faith" but encompasses much more.

    • Also means judgment, law, and way of living.

  • Living according to teachings includes:

    • Spiritual practices.

    • Relationships, moral values, actions.

  • Quranic usage emphasizes the meaning as a comprehensive system.

Deen in the Quran

  • Translations vary between faith, system, obedience, submission, and allegiance.

  • Common forms include "ad-deen" meaning "the way".

Deen in Arabic Literature

  • Derived from ‘dana’ (to submit), including:

    • Subjugation and obedience.

    • Ruling and judgment (justice/accountability).

Page 2: Understanding Deen in Islam

Acceptable Deen

  • “Deen” accepted by Allah is Islam (3:19).

Key Meanings of Deen:

  1. Subjugation & Authority:

    • Allah’s command and authority over people.

  2. Obedience and Submission:

    • Total submission to Allah’s will (2:208).

  3. Method and Habit:

    • Way of life including belief and ethics (2:132).

  4. Punishment, Reward, and Judgment:

    • Accountability on the Day of Judgment (1:4, 99:6-8).

Page 3: The Comprehensive System of Deen

  • Four parts of Deen include:

    • Allah’s authority and rulership.

    • Submission to Allah.

    • Comprehensive system established by Allah.

    • Rewards/punishments based on adherence or disobedience.

Definition of Shari’ah

  • Literal meaning: "wide, lightened and straight path".

  • Technical definition includes laws ordained by Allah through Prophets.

  • Shari’ah represents the last and universal divine law.

Page 4: Shari’ah vs. Deen

  • Shari’ah and Deen are synonymous, with Deen more accurately referring to a way of life.

  • Shari’ah includes faith and practice, guidelines for worship and social norms.

  • Essential to observe Shari’ah as it governs Muslim life.

Scholarly Definitions of Shari’ah

  • Khurram Murad: Synonymous with Deen; eternal.

  • Qutb: Comprehensive, including all aspects of life.

Page 5: Historical Context of Shari’ah

  • Deen: Consistent message by many Prophets over centuries.

  • Shari’ah: Laws changed over time depending on the Prophet.

Page 6: Function of Shari’ah

  • Categories of behavior guide Muslim life:

    1. Wajib (obligatory)

    2. Mustahabb (commended)

    3. Mubah (permissible)

    4. Makruh (discouraged)

    5. Haram (forbidden)

Wajib (Obligatory)

  • Includes actions like the Five Pillars, halal food, and personal hygiene.

Mustahabb (Commended)

  • Actions like visiting family, extra prayers.

Mubah (Permissible)

  • Neutral actions, personal choices.

Page 7: Ethical Framework of Shari’ah

  • Islam seeks to align life with divine guidance, with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last messenger.

  • Shari’ah offers a comprehensive guide for a moral society.

Page 8: Necessities of Shari’ah (Maqasid al-Shariah)

  • Aims to achieve justice and welfare.

Primary Objectives:

  1. Preservation of Religion.

  2. Preservation of Life (Nafs).

  3. Preservation of Intellect (Aql).

  4. Preservation of Lineage (Nasl).

  5. Preservation of Property (Mal).

Page 9: Details on Preservation of Life and Property

  • Emphasizes on protecting human life and wealth through laws and ethical conduct.

Page 10: Sources of Shari’ah

Primary Sources:

  • Quran

  • Sunnah

Secondary Sources:

  • Ijma, Qiyas, Ijtihad

Characteristics of the Quran

  • Preserved from changes; miraculous due to depth and impact.

  • Complete code of life, covering various aspects of existence.

Page 11: The Quran as the Source of Shari’ah

  • Central to Islamic law, addressing both spiritual and legal matters.

  • Serves as a complete guide to ethical behavior and societal welfare.