The Theory of the Fluidity of the Shari'a Authority
Keywords:
Fluidity of Sharia, religious flexibility, interaction between religion and society, social developments, peaceful coexistenceAbstract
The theory of the fluidity of the Shari'a authority aims to explain the dynamic and adaptable nature of Islamic law (Shari'a) in the face of social and historical transformations, offering a redefinition of the role of Shari'a in contemporary societies. This study, utilizing a historical-comparative analysis method and drawing on religious sources, scholarly writings, and historical events, demonstrates that Shari'a, as a fluid phenomenon, possesses the capacity to adjust according to temporal and spatial contingencies. The findings highlight three core features of the fluidity of Shari'a: its penetration into all layers of society (with the risk of backlash if restricted), its vulnerability to political and economic corruption, and its malleability in response to cultural conditions. Case studies—such as Islamic fundamentalism and the Western experience of reconciling Shari'a with democratic norms—reveal the contradictory dimensions of this dynamism. Practical implications of this theory include the desacralization of legal rulings, the delimitation of Shari'a's influence in specialized domains, emphasis on temporal-spatial relativity, and the reinforcement of the universal moral tenets of religion. This study confirms that the fluidity of Shari'a, while maintaining the immutable principles of faith, not only reduces religious conflicts but also lays the groundwork for peaceful coexistence in the era of globalization.
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