Al-Risala (English), Sep-Oct 2001

having full freedom of expression, including that of criticism. This is why Islam has accorded such freedom to everyone; it is in an atmosphere in which everything and everyone is open to criticism that creativity is developed. Creative minds alone can perform the task of ijtihad at the highest level. Where there is no such open intellectual atmosphere, the process of mental development will come to a halt and that of updating as well. Updating: Reapplication of Shariah According to the Quran, there are two major parts of Islam—religion (din) and the law (Shariah). Din or al-din is basic and absolute, always remaining the same, without the slightest change. It is obligatory for all believers, whatever the circumstances, and entails belief in the One God, and the worship of Him alone. The Shariah, on the other hand, may differ, depending upon times and places. On the subject of al-din the Quran has this to say: He has ordained for you the same Din which He enjoined on Nuh (Noah) and which We have revealed to you and which we enjoined on Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus) (saying): Observe this din and be not divided therein. (42:13) On the other hand, there is another verse of the Quran which tells us that the Shariah given to different prophets were not always identical. The Quran states: We have ordained a law (Shariah) and a path for each of you. And had God so willed He would have made you all a single community, but He wanted to try you by what He had given you. Vie with each other then in good works, for to God you shall all return and he will resolve for you your differences. (5:48) The Shariah or external structure of the commands of Islam, and the minhaj, or method varied from prophet to prophet, but only in a partial, not a total sense. It should be