Question: There is much debate today about Shari'a law. What are the differences between the Islamic view and approach to law and the Christian view and approach to law?


Response: The main difference between the Christian approach to law and the view held by the muslim culture is simple. For the Christian, Law is a tool to draw closer to God and understand His character by how he wished his followers to act. The Law is defined by his character and by adhering to and observing the Law Christians understand God more deeply, as well as their place in following his instructions and commandments.


In the Islamic worldview, Allah is unknowable. Thus using the Law to find the character of Allah is pointless. The Law is still regarded as Allah's will and must be adhered, but it does not double as a path to a better understanding of the person to be worshipped. 


Another difference between the two is that the Christian worldview purports forgiveness. When forgiveness is introduced by genuine repentance in the blood of Christ, the Law is no longer used to condemn those who have done wrong but to guide those who are trying to live godly lives and connect with God abide with his rule.


Forgiveness is not promised in Islam, and to find favor with Allah adherence to his will via the Law is a must. This makes for a relationship with the Law to secure one's eternal destiny. The result is a struggle everyday to meet and uphold the standards of Allah.


Christians realize that the Law is not an arbitrator of condemnation because no one full meets the Law. Everyone is flawed and plagued by sin which means they will fall short time and time again requiring the mercy of God to even stand up and face temptation.


The Muslim does not affirm that everyone is sinful, and thus failure to meet the Law is even heavier as it relates solely to personal effort. Their is no reason but personal error or lack of commitment that one breaks the Law in this case.