The different branches of Shariah

The different branches of Shariah

Shariah consists of five branches:

1. Aqaa’id – Islamic Beliefs

2. A’maal- righteous deeds

3. Mu’amalaat- transactions/financial dealings

4. Akhlaaq- good character

5. Husne- Mu’asharat- Beautiful conduct. To refrain from inconveniencing others.

All these five branches make up Shariah in totality. Every branch of Deen has equal importance. It is unfortunate that the fifth branch of Shariah has been totally neglected by people.

Mu’asharat refers to having good conduct with others. The essence of Mu’asharat is that no person should be inconvenienced by our actions in any way. We should all try to make a concerted effort towards this cherished goal.

The essence of Mu’sharat can be summed up in the following Hadeeth:

حدثنا قتيبة حدثنا ليث بن سعد عن بن عجلان عن القعقاع عن أبي صالح عن أبي هريرة عن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال : المسلم من سلم الناس من لسانه ويده والمؤمن من أمنه الناس على دمائهم وأموالهم (ج2ص379ر8918):

تعليق شعيب الأرنؤوط : إسناده قوي

وهو في (سنن النسائي:ج8ص104ر4995)

Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “The true Muslim is he from whose tongue and hand, other people are safe.”

Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) has discussed the topic of Mu’asharat in detail in his treatise entitled “Muslim Way of Life”. Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) has discussed the Aadaab of nearly every Islamic prectise.

Every person should endeavor to read through this priceless treasure of social ethics and learn how a true Muslim should carry himself in the social strata. (Pg.36-44, Rightway Publications)

Hadhrat (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) states: “It should now be realized that Mu’asharat is an inseparable part of the Deen. A perfect Muslim will therefore, be one who adopts all the branches of Deen.” (Pg.44, Rightway Publications)