Why Islamic Law is Considered Divine

So much is spoken of Islamic law and yet with so little understanding about its depth and substance. There is very little understanding about Islamic law. Islamic law is believed to be sacred throughout the world where it is practiced by followers of the religion. Over centuries in India, Islamic law has become synonymous as a body of independent laws that fit into an autonomous legal system.

Can Islamic Law Be Divine?

Two theories are attributed to Islamic law, namely classical and modern. Classical theory pertains to the belief that Islamic law is divine because it is based on the revelations made by God to the Prophet. Modern theory traces the historical development of Islamic law.

It also states that Islamic law is developing over time to accommodate the changing requirements of the society.  

What are the Sources of Islamic Law?

The four sources of Islamic law are:

• Koran: represents the word of God. It is the primary source of Islamic law.
•  Sunna: pertains to legal rules derived from specific examples such as the incidents and pronouncements in the life of the Prophet.
• Ijma: comprises consensus of the opinions of Islamic scholars.
• Kiyas: refers to legal reasoning by analogy.

What other sources influence Islamic Law? 

The following sources influence Islamic law:

• Regional or cultural customs of a place where Islam is practiced.
• Rulings of Kazis, who are the judicial officers to interpret Islamic law and make pronouncements.
• Arab customary laws.

Interestingly, many aspects of Roman and Byzantine law as well as Rabbinical and Talmudic laws are believed to be incorporated in the growing body of Islamic laws. The development of Islamic law in India was greatly influenced by customary laws as well as English common law.