The Shariah and its Application

THE SHARIAH AND ITS APPLICATION This is the test of the later-day Muslims. Their success lies in their ability to discover that particular injunction which is desirable by God in terms of their circumstances. Their failure lies in their inability to discover this injunction desirable in their changed sets of circumstances. For instance, in terms of their actual state of affairs, the verses of patience and da’wah are applicable to them, yet they are waging war with other nations by referring to the verses on fighting in the Quran. Such an act on their part amounts to their having failed in the divine test. This failure is very grave in nature. This can be likened to a Prophet’s contemporary failing to recognize him as the true Prophet of God. The deprivation resulting from this failure is very serious while the gains resulting from success in recognizing is very great. The Secret of Guidance and Ignorance The Quran states, “By it k God causes many to stray and many He leads into the Right Path.” (2:26) The Quran is, without doubt, a Truth from God. Then why is it that some find guidance from it, while others are lead astray? The chief reason for this difference lies in the difference in reference. If the Quran is studied with reference to the correct context, the reader will receive guidance. On the contrary, if the reference is changed, the same Quran will become the cause of people going astray. Studying the different parts of Quran in the correct perspective is to study them in the light of the traditions of k The Quran