Why Islam Should Evolve with Time: A Discussion on Freedom, Sharia and Timeless Truth

Throughout history, questions about the evolution of different religions, worldviews, and political opinions have intrigued many. What often confounds these discussions is the assumption that truth changes with time. However, truth is a constant. Much like the principle that 11 always equals 2, regardless of the time or era, the Quran and the teachings of Islam remain unchanged. This raises an interesting question: why should a faith not evolve if it is truly timeless?

Permanent Truth vs. Evolving Laws

The Quran, the central religious text of Islam, has not changed. Similarly, the Hadith sayings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have remained consistent. Why, then, should these principles of faith not evolve with time? The answer lies in understanding the nature of religious scriptures—they contain both timeless truths and specific historical laws. The eternal principles are absolute, but laws can change to meet the needs of a changing world.

Sharia Laws and the Evolution of Society

Sharia laws, which are derived from the Quran and the practices of the Prophet, encompass various aspects of life. However, some of these laws are subject to re-interpretation based on the social and economic conditions of the time. For example:

Murder, Adultery, Theft, and other acts of misconduct are firmly forbidden in Islam. The principle of inheritance, for example, does not change but the interpretation of specific laws may evolve to suit modern societal needs. Certain laws, like those concerning marriage and divorce, may be subject to reinterpretation based on changing social norms and legal frameworks.

It is important to note that many other laws in Islam are absolute and do not require reinterpretation, such as murder, rape, and incest, which remain prohibited in any time or place.

Comparing Islamic and Christian Laws

To illustrate, consider certain laws in the Bible and how they have been interpreted over time. For instance, the Bible explicitly forbids many actions, such as adultery and fornication, yet we see diverse interpretations across different denominations. The difference between religious commandments and societal laws is highlighted by situations like circumcision, where the practice is not mandatory within all Christian denominations but is considered an optional tradition in Islam.

In Islam, the concept of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) allows scholars to reinterpret laws according to the time and place, ensuring that the principles remain applicable and relevant.

Integration with Modern Laws

Religious laws, like any other laws, need interpretation and re-interpretation in the light of the evolving social context. This process can be seen in how Muslim minorities in various countries live by the laws of their respective nations while upholding the teachings of Islam. Muslim jurists have historically advocated for following the laws of the land, a principle well-documented in the Quran and Hadith. For instance, Quran 5:11 emphasizes the importance of honoring contracts, which includes the social contract represented by civil laws.

In the United States, the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) has affirmed that there is no inherent conflict between the normative values of Islam and the Constitution. This council, the leading interpreter of Islamic law in the US, ruled as recently as September 2011 that Muslims and non-Muslims can coexist and prosper within the bounds of a democratic society that respects human rights and freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while certain principles of Islam are eternal, the specific laws and practices can and should evolve with time. This evolution ensures that Islam remains a living, relevant religion that can be practiced in diverse, changing societies. The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad continue to provide a timeless foundation, but the interpretation and application of religious laws should be flexible and adaptive to ensure that they serve and benefit humanity in the best way possible.