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NIGERIA, whose population is split nearly into half between Muslims and Christians, introduced Shariah law more than a decade ago as a parallel system for its Muslim citizens. It first began in the state of Zamfara, and as of 2009 it is said that nine states have instituted Shariah.

In 2007, the BBC featured Nigeria (the state of Zamfara) in a documentary titled This World Inside a Sharia Court to see what effect Shariah had on that society. Muslims aside, what Christian women had to say in the documentary was quite amazing.

“To be honest, Shariah has helped us a lot. Before Shariah, we had gamblers, alcoholics and prostitutes. Now these have been banished and new learning centers have opened where we can learn things like business skills. Men can't go around beating their wives - thanks to Shariah, they can't now,” said one lady.

“Now we dress according to Shariah guidelines. The way that Islam stipulates. We like them because unlike the traditional wraps, they don't come undone when you walk around. The hijab is comfortable and does not fall off,” remarked another.

The documentary noted that Shariah had reduced violence (a salient feature of a law that has unfortunately been maligned as being violent!). Alcoholism and drug abuse also had reduced dramatically among youngsters in Zamfara. A Nigerian journalist commented, “The Shariah has brought a lot of changes to Zamfara state… You can see physically as you can walk around the capital Gusau. You don't have brothels littering the streets. Twenty years ago you could see beer parlors, you could see brothels and prostitutes sitting around... You don't have that today.”

As for communal harmony, the film said in acknowledgement: “Zamfara is now a multicultural state where Muslim and Christian communities appear to live in harmony. Christians are a minority but they are allowed to worship without fear of persecution. They are a part of everyday life in Zamfara and seem to be accepted by their Muslim neighbors.”

So how barbaric, intolerant and violent really is the Shariah law? All praises are for Allah that He sent the best guidance for us. The onus is on human beings to follow it.

Before concluding, it may serve to hint the reader towards another exhaustive subject: Shariah’s influence in shaping Britain and America, which we primarily refer to as...

The West

It may be outrageous to even suggest that the Shariah had a small influence, let alone a noteworthy role, in the development of Britain’s revolutionary Common Law and the Magna Carta which later influenced the Constitution of the United States itself, but that is precisely what evidence points to. The subject is beyond the scope of this writer and the reader is duly referred to The Islamic Origins of Common Law by John Makdisi. The full topic has been very well explained in brief by Yasir Qadhi in the video Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in the Maqasid Al-Shariah [The subject relevant to our article starts at approx. 20 min after an introduction to the Maqasid Al-Shariah].

That the good aspects of modern Western civilization (like basic human rights, justice and the rule of law) were perhaps influenced by the Shariah fills us with a sense of pride as well as a feeling of sadness, because today we no longer uphold our divine constitution. As a Muslim journalist commented once, “The Muslims created the finest institutions in human history and failed to live by them. The secular institutions have exhausted their possibilities. Man is looking for faith again. History has offered the Muslims yet another opportunity to prove the effectiveness of their institutions.”

Insha Allah. There is always hope that with a proper revival of Islam among Muslims, we can once again rise and be that source of guiding light for humanity. Because it is only Muslims who can truly apply God’s law due to their faith in and submission to Allah’s Religion.

Conclusion

Man cannot legislate himself. Man is ever in need of guidance in all aspects of life, and our Creator did not leave us astray. He sent revelations to prophets and messengers throughout human history, the end of which came with the life and message of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) who was sent as the last and final messenger to all human beings. No new messenger or message will come after him. For that reason, only his revelation has been (and will be) preserved without corruption, while all others have been lost, changed or destroyed. It is the Shariah of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that must serve as the guiding light for humanity until the Last Day. Allah said in the Qur’an:

"Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam." (Qur'an, 3:19)

"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." (Qur'an, 3:85)

For those who follow the divine guidance, Allah promises prosperity in this life and in the afterlife. Yes afterlife, which is the ultimate destination of our existence, and the success or failure of which will be decided on the Day of Judgment when we all will be held accountable for our deeds by the Lord of the Universe.

We could have known none of this without divine revelation from God which He sent in all ages and time with clear evidences as proof of the revelation being divine.

Today Islam stands out. It is comprehensive, encompassing, miraculous and lasting. It claims of being that divine religion of God. Is there another religion that is even comparable to this way of life?