Contemporary islamic law between tradition and challenges of modernity: Some examples worth consideration

Abstract

Islamic law is a perfect divine law; therefore, man cannot change it. This law was once and for all given to people to be fulfilled as something fixed and immutable. Man can only interpret and explain it. Shari'a is a collection of Islamic religious law written in the Quran. Islamic law covers all spheres of human life, precisely defining the duties of a believer towards the Creator. The changing world in modern times brings forth the notion that Islamic law must be modified. Thus, it is necessary to adapt Islamic legislation to the laws and legal norms of Latin tradition. This is due to the development of economic cooperation between Islamic countries and other parts of the world. That is why a civil code formalizing Shari'a was developed and implemented. Islamic law is also a source of controversy due to the severity of penalties for offences. This article also analyses the situation of women in the Muslim world, which, despite the changes, is still complicated and often tricky. This article offers an interdisciplinary approach; it combines various fields of knowledge: theology, politics, law, and religious studies.