Multidimensional Research Insights

Islamic legal studies have been extensively subject to controversy regarding the relationship between Islamic and contemporary state law. Traditionally, Sharia was the main normative and legal system in most Muslim societies, which was based on juristic interpretation and morality. With the rise of modern nation-states, through the introduction of codified legal systems, centralized institutions, and legislative powers, the legal governance had to undergo radical changes. This study seeks to compare the conceptual contrast between Islamic law and contemporary positive law, as well as to review the major academic accounts to explain the historical evolution of governance based on Sharia and a modern legal system, and assess the philosophical argument of Islamic law as required to be enforced as the only legal system. The research is based on a three-dimensional approach to analysis. Conceptual analysis is adopted to analyze the basis of Islamic and positive law. Second, a comparative intellectual study is an evaluation of four interpretive approaches that explain legal transformation. Thirdly, the epistemological and ethical implications of the claims to compulsory application of Islamic law are subject to philosophical analysis. The results indicate that despite the fact that Islamic law and modern law have similar normative objectives like justice and social control, they vary in terms of authority, interpretation, and institutional structure. The change of Islamic law to modern law cannot be traced to one thing; it was brought about by colonialism, internal administrative changes, and changes in the interpretation of laws. Combined explanatory strategies can offer the most detailed insight into the legal change in Muslim societies.