Sharia Law

Sharia is a body of Islamic law based on the Koran. Sharia is the foundation for the legal system in many Islamic countries and is also followed by individual Muslims in daily life.

Sharia is based on:

1. The Koran
2. The Hadith, records of Mohammad's life
3. Iima, the consensus of Islamic scholars
4. Qiyas, the interpretation and application of preceding laws to determine regulations for issues not previously covered by Sharia"Council on Foreign Relations: Islam: Governing Under Sharia

According to Sharia, both parties must enter into a marriage voluntarily. Women are restricted to marry only Muslims, while Muslim men are allowed to marry "people of the book": Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Men can file for divorce by saying "I divorce you" three times. Women can only file for divorce under limited circumstances. The man is considered the head of the family.Council on Foreign Relations: Islam: Governing Under Sharia

The laws on banking transactions are restricted under Islamic muamalat, for example, the charging of interest rates is forbidden under Sharia. Many international finance companies have made adjustments to better serve Muslim customers. Several insurance companies, for example, offer "takaful" insurance policies that follow Islamic law. The company cannot earn interest on these policies and must send some of the profit to Islamic charity.Fox News: AIG Bailout Promotes Shariah Law, Lawsuit Claims (December 22, 2008)

It was reported on February 16, 2009, that Pakistan has agreed to permit Sharia law in parts of the country, specifically the northwest area of Pakistan including the Swat valley. The decision is part of a larger peace deal between Pakistan and Taliban fighters.Al Jazeera English: Pakistan to allow sharia in Swat (February 16, 2009)