By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI
In the life of a Muslim, adherence to Islamic Sharia is not merely about performing religious obligations ritually; it is a way of life that shapes every aspect of human existence, from belief and worship to ethics and social interaction. Sharia is not just a set of rules confined to laws and regulations, but a comprehensive guide that leads humanity toward the perfection of worldly and spiritual life. Islam, as a religion of mercy for all the worlds, presents principles that organize human life to maintain a balance between duties to God and responsibilities to fellow beings.
A devout Muslim’s commitment to Islamic Sharia is not measured solely by the quantity of worship performed, but also by how they implement the principles of Islam in daily life. These principles serve as a strong foundation for achieving Allah’s pleasure and the welfare of society. From a deep belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) to avoiding all forms of sin and forbidden actions, Islamic Sharia guides every step of a Muslim to remain on the straight path that is pleasing to Him.
More than just a collection of rules, Islamic Sharia emphasizes the importance of balance, justice, and noble character in building a harmonious personal, family, and social life. Every command and prohibition within Sharia aims to safeguard human welfare, both in this world and the Hereafter. Principles such as sincerity in intention, consistency in worship, maintaining good character, and practicing fairness not only serve as measures of individual piety but also determine the quality of human relationships.
Through these principles, Islam shapes individuals who are of integrity, possess high ethics, and are responsible for their actions. By adhering to Sharia, a Muslim not only improves themselves but also contributes to creating a just, peaceful, and prosperous society. This is the essence of a servant’s obedience to the Creator: to live in harmony between spirituality and social responsibility, between relationships with God and relationships with humanity.
In this discussion, we will delve deeper into the principles of adherence to Islamic Sharia that form the foundation of a Muslim’s beliefs, behavior, and life goals.
A broader discussion on the principles of adherence to Islamic Sharia includes an in-depth explanation of each principle, focusing on how these principles are implemented in the daily life of a Muslim. Each principle has strong roots in Islamic teachings and serves as the main foundation for living a life in accordance with Allah’s will.
- Tawhid (Belief in the Oneness of Allah)
Tawhid is the fundamental principle of Islam. It is not only about verbal acknowledgment that Allah is one but also a deep conviction that must be reflected in all aspects of life. Tawhid demands that a Muslim makes Allah the center of all actions, decisions, and life goals. All forms of worship, both ritual and social, must be performed with the belief that only Allah has full authority over life. Thus, every action, from daily worship to business decisions, must be guided by an awareness of Allah’s oneness and the hope for His pleasure.
- Sincerity in Intention
Sincerity is a principle that strengthens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah. In Islam, every action is judged based on the intention behind it. If the intention is sincere, the action is considered valuable in the sight of Allah. However, if done for other reasons, such as seeking praise or worldly gain, the action will not be accepted. Sincerity also determines the quality of worship, including obligatory acts such as prayer and fasting, as well as social acts like charity. As stated in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, “All actions are judged by intentions” (HR Bukhari and Muslim).
- Obedience to the Qur’an and Hadith
Adhering to Islamic Sharia is impossible without obeying the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an is Allah’s revelation containing life guidance, while the Sunnah explains the practical way to implement the teachings of the Qur’an in daily life. In facing various issues, a Muslim must refer to these two primary sources to ensure that decisions and actions taken align with Islamic teachings. For example, in economic matters, the Qur’an teaches the prohibition of usury and the encouragement of almsgiving, while Hadith explains honest and ethical trade practices.
- Consistency in Worship
Islamic Sharia emphasizes the importance of consistency in performing worship. It is not enough to engage in worship only in certain situations or at specific moments; a Muslim should make it a routine part of their life. This consistency reflects seriousness and commitment in adhering to Allah’s Sharia. Continuous acts of worship, such as the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, giving alms, and performing Hajj, embody a Muslim’s loyalty to Allah and demonstrate complete submission to His commands.
- Maintaining Good Character
Character is a direct reflection of a Muslim’s obedience to Sharia. A devout Muslim is not only compliant in ritual matters but also in their social interactions. Noble character traits such as honesty, patience, compassion, and respect for others are highly emphasized in Islam. In this context, adherence to Sharia should be reflected in real actions, both in personal relationships, within families, and in community life. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “I was sent to perfect noble character” (HR Ahmad).
- Balance between the World and the Hereafter
Islamic Sharia pays special attention to the balance between worldly affairs and the Hereafter. Islam does not teach an ascetic life or the complete abandonment of the world, but it also does not encourage excessive worldly pursuits. A Muslim is taught to fulfill their obligations in this world, such as earning a livelihood, maintaining family, and contributing to society, while remaining focused on the ultimate goal, which is the life of the Hereafter. This principle of balance is also reflected in worship, which teaches time management, such as dividing time between work, worship, and rest.
- Justice and Responsibility
Justice is one of the most important principles in Islamic Sharia. A Muslim must act justly in every aspect of life, both in their relationship with Allah and with fellow humans. This justice also encompasses social, economic, and legal responsibilities. Islam demands its followers to be fair in making decisions, in giving others their rights, and in fulfilling obligations. For example, in Islam, a ruler must be just to their people, a husband must be just to his family, and a trader must be fair to their consumers. Justice is also related to individual responsibility towards oneself, family, and society.
- Following Ijma’ and Qiyas
Islamic law provides space for ijtihad, especially in facing new issues that are not specifically mentioned in the Quran or Hadith. Ijma’ (consensus of scholars) and qiyas (legal analogy) are two important methods used to resolve problems that arise outside the sacred texts. Ijma’ is the result of scholars’ agreement on a specific issue, while qiyas is the application of analogy to determine the ruling of something new based on existing cases. This principle allows Islamic law to remain relevant and capable of responding to the challenges of the times.
- Patience and Submission to Allah’s Decree
Patience is one of the values that is highly esteemed in Islam. Allah tests His servants with various trials, both in the form of blessings and hardships. An obedient Muslim must be able to be patient and accept all of Allah’s decrees with an open heart, believing that every occurrence has wisdom behind it. Submitting to Allah’s decree means accepting everything with satisfaction and sincerity, while continuing to strive for self-improvement and the betterment of the environment.
- Avoiding Sin and Forbidden Acts
Obeying Islamic law also means staying away from all forms of actions that Allah has prohibited. Islam places great emphasis on the prohibition of acts such as usury, gambling, alcohol consumption, and promiscuity, which can damage individuals and society. Avoiding forbidden things is a form of obedience for a Muslim in safeguarding themselves from sin and violations of Allah’s rules.
Compliance with Islamic law is not just about performing religious rituals but also encompasses a way of life that reflects total submission to Allah in every aspect of life. By adhering to these principles, a Muslim can lead a balanced life between this world and the Hereafter, as well as actively participate in creating a just, moral, and peaceful society. These principles form the foundation of belief and behavior that must be practiced consistently and with full awareness of the responsibility to Allah and fellow humans.
Conclusion:
The principles of compliance with Islamic law that have been explained reflect the comprehensive teachings of Islam in guiding the life of a Muslim. Sharia is not merely a rigid set of rules but a meaningful way of life, directing each individual to achieve a balance between spirituality and social responsibility. By practicing the principle of monotheism, sincerity in intention, obedience to the Quran and Hadith, maintaining consistency in worship, and nurturing noble character, a Muslim will be on the right path, linking the life of this world with the Hereafter.
Obedience to Islamic law also requires a balance between worldly and otherworldly affairs. This principle teaches that worldly achievements must always be grounded in preparation for the Hereafter, making this life a means to attain eternal happiness in the presence of Allah. Moreover, justice and responsibility are the main pillars of Sharia, reflecting the noble values that guide a Muslim to always act justly in every action, whether towards themselves, their family, or the wider community.
By following these principles, a Muslim will be able to avoid sins and forbidden actions while being patient and submissive to Allah’s decree. Adherence to the Sharia not only brings inner peace but also serves as a foundation for building a life filled with blessings, harmony, and benefits for oneself and others.
Overall, obedience to Islamic law strengthens a Muslim’s resolve to hold fast to righteous beliefs and practices, forming a strong character, filled with a sense of responsibility and concern for others. By implementing these principles, Muslims will be able to lead a more meaningful life, succeed in this world, and prosper in the Hereafter. May Allah SWT always grant us His guidance so that we can all remain steadfast in upholding His Sharia.
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