The Shariah and its Application

THE SHARIAH AND ITS APPLICATION today in its complete form was not available to the Muslims during the lifetime of the Prophet. Instead it was revealed in parts (installments). At that time only those passages of the Quran were revealed which were relevant to the circumstances, that is, whatever command was required pertaining to the actual situation only that was given to the believers. This way the believers had no problem in understanding their tasks and subsequently devoted themselves to performing them without any questioning. For instance, when circumstances required full attention to be paid to the task of da’wah, this verse was revealed: Lead all men to the path of your Lord with wisdom and mild exhortation. (16:25) Therefore, all the followers of the Prophet adopted da’wah as a single point formula and became engaged in this task with complete dedication. Similarly, when the circumstances required patience and fortitude, this verse was revealed: Bear up then with patience, as did the steadfast Apostles before you. (46:35) Subsequently, the believers adopted an attitude of patience with total devotion and concentration. Similarly, when, in the wake of aggression by the other party, the problem of defense arose, this verse was revealed in the Quran: Fight for the sake of God those that fight against you. (2:190) On receiving this command, all the believers engaged themselves wholeheartedly in the field of battle. This same pattern continued throughout the prophetic