Essay
A-level Islam Religious Education role of sharia exam essay 20 marks - A grade essay
- Module
- Role of shariah (RS)
- Institution
- WJEC
Detailed essay explaining the role of sharia.
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‘Examine the Role of Shari'ah and its importance for Muslims’ (20 Marks)The term Shariah literally means road or highway and by Muslims it is seen as transcending which means it is divine
above human law. Shariah is God’s law and it is God’s blue print for living one’s life and organising society. Although all
Muslims see it as God’s law, there are still different roles of Shariah for example some Muslims find Shariah as a guide
to family matters while others find it as a political system that all Muslims agree on. Furthermore, there is still not a
single Shariah system that is put into place. In the Quran it states ‘God has sent to each people a Shariah and an open
path’ which shows that Shariah is the divine law given by God to man to follow in order to live a good life and achieve
paradise. Shariah should be embedded into every Muslim life and it should be acted upon because it is God’s law. It is
based primarily on the infallible Quran.
Shariah is practiced by Muslims all around the world however not every country will follow Shariah the same way as most
countries have different understandings and principles of Shariah. For example, the UK is a secular state and therefore
will not use Shariah as part of their main law however, freedom of religion is allowed and the Muslims in the UK have put
together a small minority group where they must abide by the law of the land but they can also practice Shariah law as
long as it does not cause conflict with the countries law system. Some scholars argue that it is not compulsory for a
Muslim to attend Jummah prayers in a secular state whereas some scholars say they must go to Jummah prayers as the
obligations are still the same. Muslims also set up charities and help whoever they can in their community. The Muslim
law council in the UK was set up to organise Shariah for family and personal law in the UK. Moreover, Iran and Saudi
Arabia’s outlook of Shariah differs to Shariah in the UK. For example, Iran is a religious state and the Shariah law is
interpreted by imams and this is what forms the countries law code. There s a system of elections that take place in
Iran, a parliament called Majlis where both men and women representatives are elected to serve in it. Shariah brings
certain rights such as Women’s education. Similarly Saudi Arabia is another country where Shariah law is their main
legal law system. Saudi is ruled by a powerful family called the Saud and they favour Salafi. This is an austere (strict)
version of Islam and Salafism rejects the traditional schools of Shariah and promoted direct interpretation from the
companions of the prophet (PBUH). Pakistan retains British law and Shariah courts have been set up in Pakistan for
family and personal issues. A case can be decided in a Shariah court but only to be appealed to a higher secular court.
This has led to some Muslims to call for Shariah courts to be made superior. Turkey’s leader Ataturk became the leader
of Turkey which he made Turkey into a secular state. Some Muslims in Turkey have called for a return in Shariah la and
to make Turkey a religious state again. Although different countries use Shariah law differently, all Muslims have to
follow the basics of Shariah as it is God’s word. Shariah courts in many countries including the UK can help Muslims deal
with matters such as marriage and provide judgements like law courts.
To be continued...
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