Muslim

Q:Why Is Shariah Law so Important to Muslims?

A:First, let me start by saying that in modern times Shariah was inaccurately translated as “Islamic Law”. This portrayed Shariah as merely a collection of laws and regulations. Perceiving Shariah as such has produced great confusion in regards to its importance in Islam.
The importance of Shariah can be seen through the meaning of the concept. The word shariah literally means a waterway that leads to a main stream, a drinking place, and a road or the right path. From this meaning, the word shariah was used to refer to a path or a passage that leads to an intended place, or to a certain goal.
The importance of Shariah is evident in the denotations of the literal meaning. Water is life for everything, Shariah is life for the Muslims’ souls and a way of life for them.
On the other hand, Shariah, conceptually, refers to a set of rules, regulations, teachings, and values governing the lives of Muslims. However, these rules and regulations, contrary to how they are often described by many non-Muslims, cover every aspect of life. Shariah embraces worship, morals and conduct, as well as it embraces the political, social and economic, as well as other spheres.
Muslims believe that the purpose of their creation is nothing but servitude [being servants to the creator of mankind]. They also believe that without the guidance of Allah (God) no one will meet this purpose. Therefore Allah sent messengers and prophets with teachings, values, rules and regulations to guide mankind to His way, the right way.
The first step in the fulfillment of the servitude mission is the complete submission to Allah, which is Islam. The second step is following the guidance of Allah, which is the Shariah. In other words, accepting Islam as a religion and the adherence to the Shariah as the guidance.
Hence, the importance of the Shariah is its central role in guiding Man to the right way, whereby the mission of creation can be fulfilled. The Shariah, therefore, is a path - set by Allah for those who accept Him - to follow, in order to attain success both in the worldly life and in the hereafter.
Thus, to live in Islam is to live according to the Shariah, and ignoring the Shariah or even any part of it, deliberately, is ignoring Islam itself. Muslims have to adhere to the Shariah and observe its teachings throughout their lives.