Islamic religious law in daily life

The Qur’an, (commonly called the Koran) is the sacred book of Islamic teachings. Muslims believe the Qur’an is God's word as told to the Prophet Muhammad. Secondary to the Qur’an are the hadiths, a collection of stories (also called sira) and sayings of Muhammed, generally regarded as illustrations and validations of the Qur’an teachings. Islam does not regard the church as separate from the state, thus both public business and private morality are held to the same standards. For every Muslim therefore, the way one runs personal life, business and social affairs are all bound by the same religious law.

In order to be a Muslim, one must adhere to five basic principles, known as the “five pillars of Islam.”

Belief that Allah is the only God, and Muhammed is his prophet.

Saying daily mandated prayers.

Giving a portion of ones income to the needy.

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Making the hajj – pilmigrage to Mecca – once in a lifetime.

The Biblical Ten Commandments are also found within the Qur’an, as told by Allah to Muhammed. The same basic moral laws are identical in Islam and Christianity.

Additionally, there are rules for daily living an observant Muslim follows, as laid out in the Qur’an. Called “Sunna” or “rules of life” they govern personal and public behavior.

Some foods are prohibited – pork and certain other meats, alcohol, or any non-Halal

meat. “Halal” means according to Islamic law, and Halal foods are those slaughtered and prepared according to proper ritual. Most cities in the US have at least one Halal butcher catering to the local Muslims.

Gambling, pornography, most live music and dancing are also prohibited for both men and women. Both men and women should dress modestly. Women are expected to cover their hair and bodies in public – this is not considered discrimination, but rather a sign of respect because it is seen as disrespectful for a woman to be seen as a sex object outside of her marriage.

Marriage and family are of utmost importance in Islam. Parents are never to be disrespected, children are not to be treated harshly and infidelity is a sin. Although it is permissible in some countries for men to have up to four wives, the wives must all be treated fairly and equally, and women can ensure a monogamous marriage by making a legally binding marriage contract.

The way women are treated is seen as oppressive by many in the Western world, and in some countries it is indeed oppressive. However, the Qur'an in most instances sets the same rules for both men and women, and affords women control over their own property and dowry. Men and women should be partners in marriage, and with the same religious rights and responsibilities. That this is not always the case is generally regarded by scholars as improper interpretation of the text, and in many countries Muslim women are gaining more freedom and control of their lives.

The way business is conducted is also governed by religious law. Profits from gambling and other prohibited activies are not allowed. Profits from excessive interest on loans or capital are condemned. If an individual or business posseses excess capital through usury, they must disburse it through interest-free loans or otherwise distribute it for social good. While it may not seem that this could ever lead to successful business growth, many international banks and corporations have prospered adhering to Islamic principles.

Of course, since Muslims live all over the world – only about one fifth of all Muslims are of Arab origin – there are many differences in the ways in which they practice their faith.

One way in which Muslims reconcile religious law with local laws – as in the case of polygamy in the United States – is to ask scholars for religious interpretations on specific points of law and social customs. Known as fataawa, (singular: fatwa) these interpretations can be used to guide Muslims in the correct behavior. Generally, the law of the country is followed if it is possible to do so without seriously compromising basic Muslim commandments.

As with most world religions, there are different Muslim sects. Thus, Sunni Muslims do not necessarily interpret the Qur’an the same as Shiite Muslims. A fatwa issued by a Sunni scholar does not have to be followed by a Shiite Muslim, since a fatwa is merely a human interpretation of Allah’s law.

Muslims worldwide are trying to figure out how best to follow religious law within the context of their own cultures. Different people in different countries will be in varying stages of figuring out how to reconcile religious principle with local laws and customs. Most experts and legal scholars would agree that the important point is how to live within their communities as Allah intends.