Lesson 3 of the Beginners' Course on Islam 2. Do we need a Divine Law to guide and govern our actions and decisions? What is the purpose of the Shari'ah Law? Were they revealed only to make things difficult for us? Or is there a greater purpose behind its revelation?

1. Beginners’ Course on
Islam II
Speaker: Muhammad Taufiq bin Abdul Majeed
taufiq07@hotmail.com
Lesson 3

2.  Understanding our relationship:
◦ with Allah
◦ with His creations
 Purpose of the Divine law
◦ Benefits and objectives of the Divine law;
◦ Know where does the Divine law is derived from;
◦ Looking at the purpose of the Divine law.
Lesson Outline

3.  As Muslims, we are taught to devote ourselves to
Allah.
 The devotion is showed to acts of obedience and
fulfilling our obligations towards:
Fellow
Allah
Being
Understanding Our Relationship

4.  What are the obligations towards Allah that we have to observe?
 But most importantly:
We must be CONSCIOUS of our duty
and actions
Understanding Our Relationship

5.  What are the obligations towards Allah that we have to observe?
And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the
angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority."
They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption
therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify
You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know.“
Quran, 2:30
Understanding Our Relationship

6.  If you are in a ship with 300
passengers boarding the same
ship heading towards a
beautiful designated island.
While sailing, your vessel
suddenly struck on an iceberg
which makes it sinks gradually.
 At that point of time you
started to realize that you and
the rest passenger’s life were
at risk. In order, to save lives
you have to throw 10
passengers overboard.
 Would it be morally right to kill
10 people in order to save 290
lives?
Purpose of the Divine Law

7.  As human beings, when making decisions, we usually look into:
1. Justice;
2. Happiness;
3. Benefits.
 However, in many occasions the decision is made to benefit one
party and would cause difficulties to others.
 How do we make a ‘guided’ decision then?
 Who will draw the line in ensuring the security and welfare of
everyone is taken care of?
Purpose of the Divine Law

8.  As Muslims, we make the Divine law as a guidance for us to make
the decisions.
 The Divine law is given through:
1. The Quran
2. The Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet)
Purpose of the Divine Law

9. • The Quran is regard as the first resource for this subject.
• Muslims were told to first refer back to the Quran whenever we are faced
with an issue and in need of guidance.
• If one finds the ruling from the Quran, then one must abide by it.
What is the Quran?

10. “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on]
stone alters [to other than Allah ], and divining arrows are but defilement
from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.”
Quran, 5:90
Example:
Prohibition of Intoxicants, Gambling, Altars, etc.

11. “…and Allah has allowed trading and forbidden usury… ”
Quran, 2:275
Example:
Prohibition of Usury

12. • Sunnah (literally, tradition) is what is narrated at the authority of
the companions about the Prophet’s sayings, actions or approvals
(The Prophet’s witnessing of certain actions without objection is
considered an approval from him).
• The relation of the Sunnah to the Quran can be define as:
1. Identical meaning
2. Explanation
3. Specification
4. Adding conditional/ constraints
5. Independent legislation
What is the Sunnah or Hadith?

13. • Allah mentioned in the Quran that as Muslim we have to perform
our obligatory prayers.
“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow
[in worship and obedience].”
Quran, 2: 43
• But the actions, the integrals (arkan) were all explained in detail
through the Prophet’s actions.
Example: Prayer

14.  What is the objective of Shari‟ah?
 Shari‟ah was revealed by Allah to govern the 5 foundational
goals:
1. Religion;
2. Life
3. Lineage;
4. Intellect;
5. Property.
The Purpose of Shari’ah

15.  The main objective of Shari’ah law is to provide benefits to all
mankind and to reject any harm or detriment to them.
1. The preservation of the religion or „Hifz Al-Din.‟
2. It is indeed a priority and our collective responsibility
to ensure that both our faiths and our family’s faiths
are protected and not compromised.
Religion
3. By ensuring that both ourselves and our family
members are equipped with adequate religious
knowledge from a holistic perspective
The Purpose of Shari’ah

16.  Preserve life or „Hifz Al-Nafs‟.
 At the individual level, this includes ensuring that we do
not place ourselves in harms’ way, by indulging in habits
or practices which may affect our health such as
smoking, eating excessively or any other acts that may
cause detriment to our bodies.
Life
 At a broader level, this can be extended to the general
call to assist and save the lives of other mankind. This
includes providing financial assistance and donations to
victims of natural disasters and food crisis, donating
blood, as well as being involved in volunteer work to
improve the lives of the sick and unfortunate.
The Purpose of Shari’ah

17.  The preservation of the human lineage, or ‘Hifz An-
„Nasab‟.
 To fulfill this objective, Islam enjoins marriage.
 Indeed, Islam has forbidden zina, adultry . Lineage
The Purpose of Shari’ah

18.  The preservation of the human intellect, or ‘Hifz Al-„Aql‟.
 To fulfill this objective, Islam enjoins that we
continuously seek knowledge and improve our intellectual
capacity. This is reflected in the high regard in the eyes
of Allah s.w.t. that is granted to those who are
Intellect knowledgeable.
 Indeed, Islam has forbidden the consumption of
alcohol, drugs and other intoxicating substances that can
lead to the impairment of one’s intellectual ability.
The Purpose of Shari’ah

19.  This is made evident in the guidance set forth in
Quranic verses, which encourage us to build the
economic stature of our family and community.
Property  This can thus enable us to contribute through giving
charities and providing assistance to those who are
in need.
The Purpose of Shari’ah

20. • Thank you for your kind attendance and participation.
• Any questions?
END…