Definitions of Four Islamic Terms

Shari'a is the body of law inspired by the Koran, the Sunna, older Arabic law systems, and the work of Muslim scholars over the first two centuries of Islam (Kjeilen 1). While Shari's is often called "Islamic law," this is wrong because only a small portion of it is "irrefutably based upon the core Islamic text, the Koran" (Kjeilen 1). A more correct term for Shari'a would be "Muslim law" or even the "law system of Muslims," but since Shari'a is perceived as based upon the Koran, it is considered by Muslims to be the "will of God" (Kjeilen 1).

While Shari'a is often referred to as Muslim law, in reality that term can also be deceptive in that Shari'a encompasses more than just the law. Sharia represents the "totality of religious, political, social, domestic and private life" of Muslim society (Kjeilen 1). While Shari'a is aimed primarily at Muslims, it can also apply to non-Muslims living in Muslim communities. Shari'a is not binding on Muslims who live outside the Muslim world, but Shari'a is considered something that no human intellect can disprove. In this sense, Shari'a is to be accepted without resistance, since it is se

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