Abstract

The aim of Shariah is to bring supreme justice in the society. Shariah is a gift and kindness of Allah to his creatures. Mercy is thus the keynote of Shariah. Three things are mentioned as gifts of Allah the book, the balance and iron, which stand as emblems of three things which hold society together, viz., Revelation, which commands good and forbids evil; Justice, which gives to each person his due; and the Strong arm of the law, which maintains sanctions for evil-doers. Justice is a command of Allah, and whosoever violates it faces grievous punishment in this regard Allah says, “Allah commands Justice, the doing of good, and charity to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.”
Shariah law is different from Islamic law as existed in the sub-continent of India. Mr. Mahmood J. observed that Mohammedan law is so intimately connected with religion that they cannot readily be dissected from it. There is in Islam a doctrine of certitude in the good and evil. Technically, good and evil, according to Muslim jurists are ‘Husn’ (Beauty) and ‘Qubh’ (Evil). In the ethical acceptance of the term, what is good or morally beautiful that must be done and what is evil or morally ugly that must not be done that is law or Shariah. Shariah literally means the road to the watering place, the path to be followed. Technically means the canon law of Islam. The totality of Allah’s commandments is Shariah. Each of such commandments is called ‘Hukum’,3
Shariah embraces all human actions. For this reason it is not law according to some modem jurists. It contains an infallible guide to ethics. But their concept is not correct because Shariah covers both social and spiritual aspects of human life.