What is Sharia?

• Sharia/Shariat is a religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition.
• It is derived from the religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Quran and the hadith.
• The “Muslim Personal Law” is based upon the Shariat when it comes to personal issues(marriage, divorce, inheritance, custody of children,etc),

Shariat And India

• Muslims in India are governed by the Muslim Personal Law which came into force in 1937.
• The Act lays out that in matters of personal dispute the State shall not interfere.

Issues

• There have been previous instances when the issue of protection of women’s rights as part of the broader fundamental rights came into conflict with religious rights. Example: Shah Bano case, Triple talaq act.

Why in News?

• The Taliban has announced that there will be Sharia law in Afghanistan.

References:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/research/shariat-muslim-personal-law-sharia-history-shayara-bano-shah-bano-triple-talaq-personal-laws-religious-laws-uniform-civil-code-2784081/
2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/no-democracy-only-sharia-in-afghanistan-taliban/article35986616.ece