An Insight Into The Various Schools Of Muslim Law

Ambarish Bharadwaj Sivashankaran, Bennett University

ABSTRACT

The religion followed by Muslims is known as Islam and are governed by their own set of private laws. The two very basic belief on which this religion is based on are the existence and oneness of gods and belief in the truth of Prophet Mohammed’s mission. The ideology is very different to that of the Hindus who believe in plurality of god.

“There is only one and only god, ’Allah’ and the holy prophet was the last prophet sent by god on earth.” The Muslim Law can be interpreted from various primary and secondary sources. Quran is the main source from which Muslim Law can be interpreted along with Sunnat, Ijma, and Qiyas and Secondary Sources like judicial decisions, legislation, Urf also known as customs and usages are also used. The principle of Justice, Equity and Good Conscience which is considered as a secondary source to usually interpret English laws can also be used for Muslim Law as well. Under the Muslim Law, there are two main sects known as Shia and Sunni. Both of them have different ideologies. Under these two sects there are further bifurcations who have different outlooks based on their geographical location.

Muslims account for about 25% of the world’s population, and is practiced in various countries. They follow their holy book known as Quran and follow the teachings and traditions of Prophet Mohammed. Muslim Law in India is applicable to Khojas, Cutchi Memon, Halai Memons, Daoodi and Sulaimani Bohras, Sunni Bohras of Gujrat and to Molesalam Girasias of Broach.