The word Shari’ah refers to the entire religion of Islam, which Allah chose for His slaves, to lead them forth from the depths of darkness to the light. It is what He has prescribed for them and explained to them of commands and prohibitions, halal and haram.

The one who follows the Shari’ah of Allah, regarding as permissible what He has permitted and regarding as prohibited what He has prohibited, will attain triumph.

The one who goes against the Shari’ah of Allah is exposing himself to Allah’s wrath, anger and punishment.

Allah, may He be exalted, says:

Now We have set you ˹O Prophet˺ on the ˹clear˺ Way of faith. So follow it, and do not follow the desires of those who do not know ˹the truth˺.

Quran - 45:18

(interpretation of the meaning)

Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

The word Shari’ah (pl. sharai‘) refers to what Allah has prescribed (shara‘a) for people regarding matters of religion, and what He has commanded them to adhere to of prayer, fasting, Hajj and so on. It is the shir‘ah (the place in the river where one may drink).

Ibn Hazm (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Shari’ah is what Allah, may He be exalted, prescribed (shara‘a) on the lips of His Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) with regard to religion, and on the lips of the Prophets (peace be upon them) who came before him. The ruling of the abrogating text is to be regarded as the final ruling.

Linguistic origin of the term Shari’ah

The linguistic origin of the term Shari’ah refers to the place in which a rider is able to come and drink water, and the place in the river where one may drink. Allah, may He be exalted, says:

He has ordained for you ˹believers˺ the Way which He decreed for Noah, and what We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ and what We decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, ˹commanding:˺ “Uphold the faith, and make no divisions in it.” What you call the polytheists to is unbearable for them. Allah chooses for Himself whoever He wills, and guides to Himself whoever turns ˹to Him˺.

Quran - 42:13

(interpretation of the meaning)

Source: islamqa.info