– S.M. Rabey Hasani Nadwi*

The teachings of Quran and Hadith clearly imply the importance of following the Islamic Shariah and leading their lives according to its guidance forMuslims. The Shariah guides Muslims in all aspects of life and it resolves all their problems. And ignoring this Shariah is a shear misfortune for them; rather it is displeasing to Allah. This exempts the Muslim from the blessings and guidance of their Lord. In fact it leads to greater prospects of being seized in Allah’s court. Allah has clearly stated in His book, The Holy Quran that He does not accepts the transgression from the limits of Shariah.

“And who so seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter. “(AI imran: verse 85)

“Is it a judgment of the time of (pagan) ignorance that they are seeking? Who is better than Allah for judgment to a people who have certainty (in their belief)?” (AI maida: verse 50)

   Allah (swt) has sent His religion and Shariah to Muslims through His last Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and has declared that following His prophet’s command is mandatory. A Muslim cannot remain a Muslim as long as he does not agree with His decision.

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (0 Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.”  (An-Nisa: verse 65)

   It is very unfortunate that Muslims have become ignorant of their Shariah. Instead of following the Islamic commandments and traditions they are following the un-Islamic rituals, which on one hand is a source of inviting Allah’s and his prophet’s (pbuh) displeasure and on the other hand it has made it difficult for them to remain Muslims. Instead of following their natural religion, they have resorted to uncivilized, extravagant and useless ways of life.

   The reasons for such a deplorable condition can be attributed to their negligence in matters of faith, submission to desires and to the ignorance of Shariah. To remove this negligence and submission to desires, proper counseling and preaching is needed and ignorance can be cured by making them aware of the laws of Shariah.

   Here in this country, the constitution is based on secularism. Moreover Muslims form a minority. Thus, nothing can be expected from the government. The members of Islamic community can only shoulder the responsibility, because the onus to work for the betterment of society lies on them only. In regards to the relation of Islamic Shariah with that of the constitution and the judiciary of the country. Alhumdulillah, Muslim Personal Law Board has assumed the responsibility of defending the Shariah and also removing the misconception regarding it. It has helped to change the laws that were contradictory to Islamic Shariah. It also ponders over  complex matters and has been putting in tireless efforts to resolve them.

   The other area of work is that of making the Muslims follow the Islamic Shariah, which in itself is a vast and important area of concern. The board has started working in cooperation with various community organizations in the name of Social Reform, a widespread and tireless area of work. It is needed that meetings be held in different places to prevent common Muslims from breaking the laws of Shariah for their success in this world and also in the Hereafter.

   Unimportant extravagance and pomposity in marriage ceremonies, reckless spending and uncivilized traditions displeases Allah and His Prophet (pbuh) and at the same time those valuable resources are wasted which could have been used in building a better future for the couple and for more important works of the community. It is also a burden for the parents of the couple. It is needed that the people are asked for its rectification and they should be made to understand that for temporary fun and fame they are ruining their  financial resources. Apart from being unable to fulfill the genuine needs of the community they also displease Allah and His last Prophet, which is harmful for them in both the worlds.

   By not following the useful and balanced way of Nikah and marriage set by Islamic Shariah, the relation between the couple sometimes becomes sour. Because of some bitter and cruel system it leads to separation, divorce and even the loss of life. It is true that sometimes even by following the right path, separation takes place and thus, Shariah has provided with the option of Talaq-and has alsoinformed about its proper way of execution, i.e. firstly close relatives should try to resolve the issue between the couple and if it is does not succeed then divorce should be pronounced once a month for three months. Different schools of thought in extreme need allow pronouncing talaq thrice in one go for final separation. Though there are reasons for it but still it is detested. After deciding for complete separation, it is advised to act with mutual respect and also to present gifts at the time of separation as a token of generousity. Many Muslims by neglecting these commands create a wrong atmosphere where they pronounce three talaq in one go and get surrounded with problems. If they follow Shariah then they can be safe from anger and negative temperament and the issue can also be resolved peacefully.

   One should pronounce one talaq at first and if the problem is not resolved then in the second and then in the third month, talaq should be pronounced again to resolve the matter. The issue of inheritance should also be dealt with in the same way. In other personal matters, Shariah has clearly explained the rights of different members of the family. If these guidance are followed then the family will live happily and the society will progress.

   Another important aspect is the Biddah (unlawful innovation in religion) of wine and gamble which have been considered to be strictly illegitimate acts and which ruins wealth and the personal life. Most importantly it invites the wrath of Allah. Another form of gambling, famously known as lottery, exists in our society where many Muslims waste a huge chunk of their income with the hope of getting some profits whereas their wife and children are unable to fulfill their basic necessities of life.

   These kinds of misdeeds are eating away the community and its resources like termites. It is the responsibility of the people of the community who have command over language or pen that they should come forward to eradicate these ills.