Islamic Law Essay, Research Paper
The religion and the practices of Islam have often been seen in a negative light in the Western world. This can be attributed to the effects that Islamic fundamentalists have had on society through their attacks on the Western world. For this reason many Westerners have developed an Islamophobia . A direct result of this Islamophobia is a negative perception of Islamic Law. Many Westerners feel that Islamic Law is very unjust, however in reality this is not the case. Islamic Laws may be strict relative to Western society, but their main purpose is to give people a guideline of how to live their lives in a clean fashion (Nasr, 1997). The punishments that people receive for violating Islamic Law are believed to be very brutal by Western Society; but this is not necessarily the case. Most Muslims believe that these punishments are just and also that these punishments are minor compared to the ultimate punishment that will be delivered by the hand of God on the Day Of Judgement. Islamic Law also has a positive impact on society by helping out others through required charitable donations called Zakat. For these reasons Islamic Law should not be perceived as unjust by Western Society.
Islamic Law extends into every aspect on life from how to use water to banking. It is based on the Muslim Holy Book, the Koran. The Koran is the primary source for Islamic Law, as it laid a solid foundation upon which Muslim scholars devised guidelines (Seestani, 1994). Muslims believe that the Koran contains the words of Allah. So, whatever is written in the Koran is considered to be sacred and everything in it is obeyed. But the Koran was not written in detail. The Koran gave people a guideline as to how they should live their lives but not the specifics on how they should do this. For example, the Koran says that people must pray but it did not say how to pray. In order to clear up any confusion caused by the generalization of the Koran, people began to use Hadith (the words and actions of the Prophet Mohammad) to make Islamic Law more specific. Another source of Islamic Law is the Ijitihad, which is reasonable deduction. The Ijitihad allows Islamic Law to be progressive and makes it applicable in all times and places (Surayya, 2000). For example, the Koran forbids the consumption of alcohol but it never forbid the use of drugs such as heroin and cocaine. The Ijitihad says that the reason that alcohol is forbidden is because it has a negative effect on the human mind and senses, and since heroin and cocaine have the same effect they are also forbidden (Hathout, 1998).
Islamic Law is considered to be one of the strictest codes of law to have ever been written. Islamic Law touches almost every aspect of life. Islamic Law dictates how to conduct business transactions, marriage, and how to slaughter animals (Mithani, 1994). But there is a reason behind the strictness of this code of law. The reason Islamic Law is so strict is because it is a guideline of how people should live their lives in a manner which is not disrespectful, harmful, or immoral. It tells people what is right and what is wrong and it also has laws in place so that people do not get themselves into bad situations (Crane, 1999). For example, the consumption of alcohol is against Islamic Law because it has a negative effect on the mind. It also is banned because if you consume too much alcohol and become drunk you lose control of your actions and because of this you can perform immoral deeds that you normally would not have performed if you were sober. Due to the fact that Islamic Laws were not made in vain and have good reasoning behind them, it shows that these laws are just even though they may seem a bit strict (Tahir-ul-Qadri, 1999).
Most people who are not part of the Muslim religion perceive that the medieval-style punishments received by offenders of Islamic Law to be cruel and barbaric. This perception of the punishments given to offenders of Islamic Law can be credited to the constant news reports about people in countries such as Nigeria and Afghanistan being caned, stoned, or even having their hands amputated for committing crimes such as theft or consuming alcohol (Nizami, 1999). In countries such as these, Islamic Law is being taken to an extreme. When this occurs, the true purpose of Islamic Law, which is to serve as a guideline for people to live their lives in a moral fashion, is lost in the desire to punish people for the littlest things. For example, in August 2000, two Nigerian men received 20 strokes of the lash each for carrying Muslim female passengers on their motorcycle taxi (BBC News, 2000). In this instance Islamic Law was taken to an extreme and is not serving its original purpose. But nevertheless, in countries where Islamic Law is not taken to an extreme, punishments such as caning and amputation still stand. These punishments act as deterrents to discourage people from breaking the law. Since most people who follow Islamic Law are God-fearing people they feel that these punishments are just and are minor compared to the ultimate punishment of being sent to hell by Allah on the Day of Judgement. Islam explains that death is not the harshest punishment for your actions because these punishments are not harsh.
Islamic Law benefits society by placing strict rules on people so that they do not harm themselves or society. It also benefits society by requiring that their followers donate a percentage of their wealth to charity or other worthy causes. It is suggested that people should set aside 2.5% of their income to donate to charities or people that are poor. These obligatory Zakat donations occur year round and help out people less fortunate in society. Islamic Law does have a compassionate aspect to it as well as a concern for those less fortunate, an attribute which is normally not depicted by Western society (Chaudhry, 1989).
It is apparent that the negative feelings towards Islamic Law by Western society are due to the Islamophobia associated with anything to do with the Islamic religion. The reasoning behind the laws and the punishments of Islamic Law are rational and collectively believed to be just by the Muslim community at large. In this light Islamic Law should be considered just by the Western world instead of the negative manner as it is currently viewed as.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BBC News. (2000). Sharia Beating For Motorcyclists Retrieved March 4, 2001 from the World Wide Web: news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid _874000/874914.stm
Chaudhry, Rashid Ahmad. (1989). Stories From Early Islam. Surrey, UK: Islam International Publications Ltd.
Crane, Robert D. (1999). The Essence of Islamic Law Retrieved March 3, 2001 from the World Wide Web: islamicity/Politics/SHARIAH.HTM#S1
Hathout, Dr. Hassan. (1998). Basics of Sharia Retrieved March 3, 2001 from the World Wide Web: islam/voi/transcripts/Shariah.htm
Mithani, Abbas. (1994). Islamic Wills. Stanmore, Middx, UK: The World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities
Nasr, Seyyed Vali Reza. (1997). Islam. The 1997 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Vers. 9.01M. Danbury, CT: Grolier, 1997.
Nizami, Ahmed Mahmood. (1999). Islamic Law Retrieved March 1, 2001 from the World Wide Web: members.tripod/myislam/sources.html
Seestani, Ayatullah. (1994). Islamic Laws. Stanmore Middx, UK: The World Federation of Khoja Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities
Surayya. (2000, December 28). Sources of Islamic Law [Discussion], [Online]: Available USENET Newsgroup: alt.religion.islam. (12 Dec 2000).
Tahir-ul-Qadri, Dr. Muhammad. (1999). Islamic Concept of Law Retrieved March 1, 2001 from the World Wide Web: minhaj/publications/ Preview/islamic_penal_system/part_one/chapter_three.htm
31e
Другие работы по теме:
Five Pillars Of Islam Essay Research Paper
What are the Five Pillars of Islam and why are they the basis for the Muslim religion? The Five Pillars are the frameworks of a Muslim?s life. Revealed to the prophet Muhammad by Allah, the Five Pillars are the basis of Islamic
Perceptions Of Islam Essay Research Paper How
Perceptions Of Islam Essay, Research Paper How the West Perceives Islam and what Mazrui thinks is the Reality Most Westerners tend to view the Islamic societies as somewhat backward in their beliefs according to Mazrui. Commonly Westerners believe that this is due to the oppressed religious beliefs of Islamic’s.
Women In Saudi Arabia Victims Of Discrimination
Essay, Research Paper Saudi Arabia, which is located in the Middle East, is known as a religious state where religion and government are one in the same. As the Islamic Religion is the government, its book, the Quran (Koran) is the foundation and structure of the laws in Saudi Arabia. As dictated in the Koran, men hold all governmental positions while the women stay home and perform domestic duties.
Religion In America Essay Research Paper Religion
Religion In America Essay, Research Paper Religion in the United States is considered a way of life to many people. Whether you go to a church, synagogue, or mosque, they are all a form of religious expression. As a person one is entitled to worship whatever or whomever they believe in and that cannot be taken away from that person by anyone.
African Empires4 Essay Research Paper The Ancient
African Empires4 Essay, Research Paper The Ancient African Empires were very advanced for there times, they were advanced before any European contacts. Each Empire had its similarities and its differences but none of the empires were exactly the same, but they were all advanced Empires for their time. Even though many people believe that Africa was nothing until the Europeans stumbled upon the land they are very mistaken.
Religion Is Important Essay Research Paper I
Religion Is Important Essay, Research Paper I think culture, religion, ethnicity is very important in one’s life. They should know where there from and who they are. Everyone comes from somewhere around the world, even if they were born in another country, they still
Islamic Spread Essay Research Paper From its
Islamic Spread Essay, Research Paper From its beginnings in Arabia to its extensive empire encompassing the Middle East, parts of Asia, North Africa, and parts of Europe,paul duffy is fat the
Religion Essay Research Paper Religion912
Religion Essay, Research Paper Religion912 There are many different cultures and religions in this world. I was assigned to attend a different denomination church then my own. I attended St.Nick s liturgy. St.Nick s is a Greek Orthodox Church.
Similarities Between The Islam Christian And Jewish
Religion Essay, Research Paper Have you ever wondered what the difference was between Christianity, Judaism and Islam? Christianity, Judaism and Islam are all major religions. They all have a holy book, and strong beliefs about their God. All of these religions were formed long ago. There are many similarities between all of them.
Islam Expansion Essay Research Paper The Islamic
Islam Expansion Essay, Research Paper The Islamic civilization spread to such an extensive empire through many techniques. They conquered neighboring areas rapidly. They spread Islam onto the people in three ways. One practice that caused them to spread was their expertise on war. Another would be the forced conversion of Islam to the people.
Byzantine Islamic Empires Comparison Essay Research Paper
Byzantine and Islamic Empires q Introduction Both the Islamic and in the Byzantine Empires had very important social structures. There are differences between the two Empires in all aspects, however both were successful. The Byzantine was part of the great Roman Empire and the Islamic Empire was built on religious belief.
Islamic Women Essay Research Paper Many times
Islamic Women Essay, Research Paper Many times when feminists looked at Islamic women they criticized the man for not treating women properly. However, as Jane I. Smith states, women of Islam are not really offended by that fact, on the contrary, they believe that it is better for them.
Islam Essay Research Paper Islam
Islam Essay, Research Paper Islam Islam, which in Arabic means submission to God or Allah is the youngest religion of the world. It is a monotheistic religion and one of the Abrahamic
Religion Is The Opiate Of The Masses
Essay, Research Paper Religion is the Opiate of the Masses There was once a great philosopher who stated that religion is the opiate of the masses. i believe that this holds true even today. Except what keeps
Comparison Of Chinese And Isl Essay Research
Paper During the first millennium CE, two great civilizations, China and Islam, arose. Both of these civilizations had cultural advantages over other peoples and had a great deal of influence on all who they came in contact with. These civilizations were similar in the way they interacted with other civilizations.
Jerusalem Essay Research Paper These words could
Jerusalem Essay, Research Paper These words could have come out of the mouth of a Christian, Muslim, or a Jew because Jerusalem is the center of all three of the religion. This piece of land is sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews. There is a lot of violence going on between Israel and Palestine over this land.
Islam Affects Our World Essay Research Paper
The Islamic religion, founded by Muhammad, has affected this world with a variety of ways. In 732, the religion was in full effect with people from the Middle East to North Africa learning about Islam and the Koran. The Islamic people, Muslims, had different attitudes toward life and what life was about compared to other religions across the globe.
Sasanian Silver Essay Research Paper In the
Sasanian Silver Essay, Research Paper In the broad world of islamic art its not always easy to tell were the piece your looking at comes from, what period it was created in and what materials were used to make it. It can be complicated as islamic art differs from country to country and in some cases from city to city.
Persia Essay Research Paper Influence of Islamic
Persia Essay, Research Paper Influence of Islamic Art The art of Europe, or ‘Western art’ is of a totally different type and style as what is known as ‘Islamic art’. It is difficult to have samples of both together in one place, observe the patterns of one and the narrative form of the other and say, “Islamic art influenced the art of Italy”.
Islamic Holy Days Essay Research Paper The
Islamic Holy Days Essay, Research Paper The Islamic religion’s holiest city of Mecca (also known as Mekka or Makkah) is located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It’s importance as a holy city for Muslims harks back to it being the birthplace of the founder of Islam, Mohammed.
Islamic Religion Essay Research Paper I do
Islamic Religion Essay, Research Paper I do not agree with the Islamic beliefs that God is the enemy of unbelievers. As an outsider to this religion this does not sit well with me. I believe God has no enemies. Wait, I mean he loves everyone, but I?m kind of unsure of his feelings towards child molesters, rapists and murderers.
Religion Or Run Essay Research Paper Religion
Religion Or Run? Essay, Research Paper Religion or Run? Religion has been around for thousands of years. Throughout history, religion has made an impact on the decisions people make everyday. People have even gone as far as sacrificing their lives for their religion. There have been countries formed over religion, so too have there been wars started.
Sociology 101 Essay Research Paper Sociology 101By
Sociology 101 Essay, Research Paper Sociology 101 By: Chris Reeh This article is about Spanish rabbi-poet named Judah Halevi. He lived in a society in which Jews were socially powerless. They were also influenced heavily by the dominant Islamic culture. He wrote many poems and books. His poetry brought a deeper sense of the Jewish spirituality to many people.
Religion Or Cult Essay Research Paper When
Religion Or Cult? Essay, Research Paper When Does a Religion Become a Cult? When Does a Cult Become a Religion? I think that religion and cults are closely related. However, there can be many noticeable differences. In order for a religion to become a cult, it needs to develop into a negative form of expression.
Religion And Science Essay Research Paper Religion
Religion And Science Essay, Research Paper Religion and Science Is Science and Religion really such an adversary? I believe that it is a very touchy subject, in which it can go either way. Some people may claim that science and religion are two very similar subjects, while other may view it as two very different subjects of life.
Ramadan Essay Research Paper RamadanRamdan the ninth
Ramadan Essay, Research Paper Ramadan Ramdan, the ninth month of the Islamic year, is a holy month of fasting ordained by the Koran for all adult Muslims . According to the Koran, the fast of Ramadan has been
Islamic Art
& Architecture Essay, Research Paper Two dominant features of Islamic art and architecture, the importance of calligraphic ornamentation and the form of the mosque, are intimately related to the Islamic faith and were developed in the early days of the religion. The part about Islamic art and architecture that stands out the most is it’s uniform style, its symmetrical and stands out more boldly than other buildings and art work.