Understanding Usul Al-Fiqh by Abu Tariq Hilal - Abu Ismael al-Beirawi

The Shari‟ah is not only limited to areas covering divorce or marriage. It covers Man‟s relationship with Allah (swt), with himself, and other people. In addition, to the method for applying these rules, implementing any rule requires having the knowledge of the situation, the rule and the method.

As an example, there is a general principle in Islam that a thief‟s hand should be cut off. However, if the individual steals food while hungry then this general principle is not applied in this particular situation. Hence, it is obligatory to have the knowledge of how and when to apply a rule.

A misapplication of the Shari‟ah is applying the Islamic laws related to Hudud (punishment) while at the same time implementing an economic system based on capitalism. Islamic laws related to punishment were revealed to protect the society in which Islam is being applied. How can the Islamic laws related to punishment be applied concurrently with capitalism, which thrives on exploiting the masses? How can anyone justify the Islamic punishment of cutting the hand of a thief while the thief is under the oppression of capitalism?

The punishment of cutting off the hand of the thief is based upon protecting the society where the Islamic system is in application, a system which functions to see to it that the basic needs of every individual in the State are met.

The Shari‟ah should not be viewed as a burden or an obstacle in our lives; but rather, as a mercy from Allah (swt). These laws must be understood as part of the Deen (a comprehensive way of life) revealed by the Creator. This Deen requires a conviction that Islam is the only solution to our problems; it came from Allah (swt), who created us and thus knows what is best for us.

There is no reason for us not to obey any ruling from Allah (swt). As mentioned earlier, we follow the Islamic laws just because they are from Allah (swt), in contrast to the oppressive man-made laws. Consequently, we should feel proud, happy, and grateful that Allah (swt) has shown us the only correct way to obey Him (swt).

Islam is a complete and thoroughly integrated unit that cannot be implemented partially. The implementation of the Islamic rules related to the economy necessitates the implementation of the rules of Zakah, Nafaqah, and Al-Jizyah, which in turn means the implementation of the economic system.

The execution of the economic system requires the implementation of the „„Ibadah, social system, rules related to the People of the Book, Islamic foreign policy, and rules related to the Khaleefah all together. The Islamic system is inter-connected; one part helps the implementation of the other part.

Implementing only parts of Islam and leaving others results in chaos is evident today. For instance, Allah (swt) has permitted divorce to solve a problem, but today divorce itself is a problem rather than a solution due to the misapplication of this particular solution and Islam in general.