There are a few who will have nothing to do with Muslims or Islam, in the United States or in our global village. They are out to banish Islam. That will be their small act on our cosmic stage.

Some others apparently have no problem with Muslims, but just with Islam. To them, that defining distinction is Shari’ah, and all that is associated with it.

To the vast majority of the inhabitants of this world, the topic is confusing. Only because the critics of Islam have the loudest megaphones and the smartest websites, while Islam’s practitioners are evolving from a long slumber, and are dazed.

As it is about narratives, it is also about perceptions – historical baggage, aspirational power-struggles, perceived existential threats, and all that is associated with primitive human instincts.

I believe, with time, the reflective equilibrium of the parties will settle down to form a new paradigm shift. However, a new generation and a new blood will catalyse the change more rapidly.

New This Month:

Schools & Sects: Brief Chapters at Islam’s Internal Struggle

So, What is Shari’ah?

Shari’ah means ‘the path‘, in Arabic; a ‘route to something good‘.

Thus, we accept the practice of different madhaahib, even the Shi’a (the Ja’fari School), because they follow the Shari’ah. Until of course the Salafis arrived, and changed the way we derived rules (there is a reason for why they did what they did: here).

I believe, this path (as any protocol) demands

– Consistency in its application, so that the rules are not abused for personal, sectarian or national gain.

– Clauses for exceptions, so that people can understand (and anticipate) why a changed action is different from an expected normal.

– Clarity in its position, so that any human should be able to understand the concept (if not the details) behind those rules.