Understanding Shariah in Islam

The term Shariah is often heard by Muslims whole over the world, yet not many actually understand what Shariah actually is. Shariah is a the very heart of Islamic law. It is the basis for Fiqh and other various Ijtihad(Islamic laws).
Shariah lays down the guidelines for the individual and society, covering all aspects of human life. The objective of Shariah or Maqasid Shariah in its Arabic term is too protect many things including human life, property, lineage, religion, dignity, reasoning, and intellect.
The concept of Shariah is to enjoin good values(ma'ruf) and forbid bad values(mungkar). Ma'ruf are values that are accepted by man as good and is accordance to man's nature(fitrah) while bad values(mungkar) the opposite. While Shariah and the existing law made by man are basically two of the same things as both lay down guidelines for the individual and society.

There are major different between the two, these are:

1. Shariah originates from the Quran and Sunnah and cannot be changed by man while man-made law are created by the highest political body in the area/country and may be change according to the voice of majority.
2. Shariah is not limited by any physical or geographical boundary. This is because it is suitable anywhere in the world. Man-made law is limited to its area or country. For example, certain country or state does not implement capital punishment as it is viewed as inhumane.
3. Shariah does not offer any exception or any form of immunity to its member of society. This is true even for the prophet Muhammad S.A.W. Man-Made law may provide some sort of immunity for high level individual in a certain society.
4. Shariah has and follows the concept of Sin and Rewards which will be counted in the hereafter. There are no such concept in man-made law.
5. Shariah is suitable for all times. It does not matter whether it is 3 or 300 years from now on, Shariah will still be suitable for that period of time. The opposite is applied to man-made law as man may have to change its law depending on its situation at the time. As the time went by it may be abolish altogether.
6. In Shariah sovereignty is only for Allah S.W.T. while in man-made law sovereignty is put under kings, country, leader, and etc.
   

From the article above we can see that Islam constantly promote good values and forbid bad values. While it is true man-made law may provide a ways to safeguard the community it has its limits and drawback while Shariah is suitable for all time, situation, and community.