Sharia (Islam)

Sometimes referred to as the word of the Prophet, the Sharia comprises two main groups of Islamic prescriptions for life in all its aspects – spiritual, political, social, domestic, public, private – according to infallible doctrine set down in the Qu'ran. The two groups refer to religious ritual and worship, and to juridicial and political regulations, although the borderline between the groups is not clear-cut. As is generally the case with a state religion, there is not always complete harmony between laws as laid down by the Islamic religion and laws enforced by Islamic states; and the emphasis an individual regulations varies. Nevertheless, a devout follower of Islam will attempt to follow the spiritual path in unquestioning obedience to the Sharia system. Sharia is also the first stage on the threefold journey to God of Sufism, the others being tariqa and haqiqa.