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