Shariah: Islamic Law

Shariah literally means the way and it stands for the rules and regulations which govern our lives. These rulings are derived from the Qur'an and the Sunnah (example) of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Historically four Sunni (Hanafi, Hanbali, Maliki, Shafi'i) and one Shiah (Ja'fari) school of thought have evolved when trying to build the codex of Islamic law. The basic classification is based on the division of actions into the two main categories: halal (permitted) and haram (forbidden). These further divide into sub-categories.

Halal (permitted)

As a basic rule, anything which is not explicitly forbidden, is permitted, even though it may not be recommended or seen as desirable. Halal earnings are those which are obtained without cheating or crookedness. Halal food is wholesome food which strengthens the body and does not have harmful side-effects. Sexual relationships are halal as long as they are confined to married partners. Some issues may be difficult to decide (see moral issues) and Muslims are encouraged to strive to come up with solutions based on the original sources of Islam by way of analogy. Where doubt persists, it is advised to stay clear of such matters.

Haram (forbidden)

A number of things and actions are clearly forbidden in the Qur'an because they have harmful effects on our physical, social, or spiritual well-being. Amongst them are murder and stealing, alcohol and drugs, adultery, fornication and homosexuality, the consumption of pig meat, blood, carrion, or meat not properly slaughtered by the method of dhibh (where the name of Allah is invoked before slaughter and the animal's jugular vein is severed with a sharp knife, but the wind pipe is left intact - ensuring a painless death of the animal and complete drainage of all blood from its system)