Thursday, January 30, 2014


What Is Sharia And What Are Its Objectives (Part 2)

By Aiman Reyaz, New Age Islam

29 January, 2014

One of the most important objectives of Sharia is safeguarding of lives. The Quran says very clearly that “anyone who saves any human being, it is as though he has saved the whole of humanity and if anyone who kills any innocent human being, it is as though he has killed the whole of humanity”.

The Quran prohibited and ultimately stopped the inhumane practice of killing of children, especially of daughters, at the time of their birth.

“The girl who was buried alive is asked: For what crime was she killed?” (81: 8-9)

“You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty- we provide for you and them.” (6:151)

“You shall not kill your children due to fear of poverty. We provide for them, as well as for you. Killing them is a great offense and sin.” (17:31)

Many Muslim jurists extended this objective to not only safeguarding of life but also the right to be saved, if you are in danger; the right to be treated, if you are sick; the right to be fed and sheltered, if you are unable to feed and find home for yourself.

To fully protect the right to life, there has to be punishment for someone who disregards the right to life of another person.

Another objective is safeguarding the mind. We find in the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet, encouragement to nourish that mind, to encourage thinking, reflection, and contemplation about the creation; there is also freedom of expression, debate and discussion, in matters that are of benefit to society in a constructive manner.

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