What Does Sharia Mean?

Sharia (Arabic: الشريعة) is pronounced sha-REE-ah.

Meaning

In classical Arabic, shari’ah originally referred to a clear path leading to water — a vivid image in the desert, where water means life. In Islam it is the path of guidance God has given for every part of life. The Qur’an uses this very word:

ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَٰكَ عَلَىٰ شَرِيعَةٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْرِ فَٱتَّبِعْهَا وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٨﴾

Then We put you, [O Muhammad], on an ordained way concerning the matter [of religion]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations of those who do not know.

Sharia comes from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Scholars work to understand and apply it, and that human effort is called fiqh (understanding). Because people reason differently, there are several respected schools of thought that differ on details — while agreeing on the essentials. Scholars have long explained that the Sharia aims to protect five things: faith, life, intellect, family and property.

How Muslims use it

When Muslims say they follow the Sharia, they usually mean praying, fasting, eating halal food, being honest in business and treating their families well. Criminal law is only a small part of it, and its rules come with strict conditions and a strong emphasis on mercy and doubt in favour of the accused. Much of the fear around the word comes from misunderstanding.

Example

“Following the Sharia, for her, means praying on time and being fair to everyone she deals with.”

To learn more, read Justice in Islam and Where Muslims Differ, and Why It’s Okay.