My introduction to Shari'a was from memes. In those memes, various passages of theQur'an were highlighted and interpreted covering topics from killing to rape and from believers to non-believers of the Islamic religion. Then, I saw a video clip from m o d e r n i t ywhere, at about 3:55, a reporter asks a woman in England about Shari'a:
And I started to wonder what, exactly, is Shari'a. The first thing I discovered is that Shari'a is not a set of laws as we in the western world define laws. Wikipedia explains:
Sharia (Arabic:شَرِيعَة, romanized: sharīʿah, lit. 'path [to water]',IPA:[ʃaˈriːʕa]), also transliterated as Sharī'ah, Shari'a, or Shariah, is a body of religious rules that form the Islamic tradition based on scriptures of Islam, particularly the Qur'an and hadith. In Islamic terminology sharīʿah refers to immutable, intangible divine rules, in contrast to fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), which refers to its interpretations by Islamic scholars. Sharia, or fiqh as traditionally known, has always been used alongside customary rules from the very beginning in Islamic history; it has been elaborated and developed over the centuries by legal opinions issued by qualified jurists reflecting the tendencies of different schools and integrated with various economic, penal and administrative rules issued by Muslim rulers; and implemented for centuries by judges in the courts until recent times, when secularism was widely adopted in Islamic societies.
However, this "path" is subject to the interpretation of Muslim rulers. So what is applied to you can be different from what is applied to someone else. The Qur'an, on the other hand, is the "Word ofAllāh" in Islamic faith. Wikipedia explains:
The Quran (vocalized Arabic:الْقُرْآن, Quranic Arabic:الۡقُرۡءَان,al-Qurʾān[alqurˈʔaːn], lit.'the recitation'or'the lecture'), also romanized Qur'an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation directly from God (Allāh). It is organized in 114 chapters (surah, pl.suwar) which consist of individual verses (āyah). Besides its religious significance, it is widely regarded as the finest work in Arabic literature, and has significantly influenced the Arabic language. It is the object of a modern field of academic research known as Quranic studies.
Sunnah is the body of traditions and practices of the Islamic prophet Muhammad that constitute a model for Muslims to follow. For Muslims, the sunnah is what all the Muslims of Muhammad's time supposedly saw, followed, and passed on to the next generations. However, what constitutes the Sunnah, and its interpretation, depends significantly on the specific Islamic sect and school of thought. Sunnis rely on six major canonical hadith collections to document the Sunnah, known as Kutub al-Sittah. For Shias, the sunnah is generally documented in Kutub al-'Arba'a, which give preference to hadiths attributed to the Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt) and the Twelve Imams. For Ibadis, the sunnah is documented in the two hadith collections Jami Sahih and Tartib al-Musnad. Sufis hold that Muhammad transmitted his sunnah, including his spiritual values, "through a series of Sufi teachers".
With the death of their Prophet, there was a disagreement over leadership and 2 sects were formed.Sunni (90%) and Shi'i (10%).
One thing is absolute: the Qur'an is the foundation of government in some Muslim countries. The religion is the government. There is no "separation of church and state" in these Muslim countries. Whereas in the US, our 1st Amendment (discussed in my October 17, 2025 ANP Article) states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
There is a lot more to the structure of Islam, but the gist is all sects follow the Qur'an and Sunnah. It is in the interpretation of these two primary documents where Shari'a comes into play.
Qur'an 2:191And kill them wherever you overtake them, and expel them from where they had expelled you. Oppression is more serious than murder. But do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they fight you there. If they fight you, then kill them. Such is the retribution of the disbelievers.
Qur'an 3:28Believers are not to take disbelievers for friends instead of believers. Whoever does that has nothing to do with God, unless it is to protect your own selves against them. God warns you to beware of Him. To God is the destiny.
Qur'an 3:85Whoever seeks other than Islam as a religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.
Qur'an 5:33The punishment for those who fight God and His Messenger, and strive to spread corruption on earth, is that they be killed, or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off on opposite sides, or be banished from the land. That is to disgrace them in this life; and in the Hereafter they will have a terrible punishment.
Qur'an 8:12Your Lord inspired the angels: I am with you, so support those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above the necks, and strike off every fingertip of theirs.
Qur'an 8:60And prepare against them all the power you can muster, and all the cavalry you can mobilize, to terrify thereby Gods enemies and your enemies, and others besides them whom you do not know, but God knows them. Whatever you spend in Gods way will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.
Qur'an 8:65O prophet! Rouse the believers to battle. If there are twenty steadfast among you, they will defeat two hundred; and if there are a hundred of you, they will defeat a thousand of those who disbelieve; because they are a people who do not understand.
Qur'an 9:5When the Sacred Months have passed, kill the polytheists wherever you find them. And capture them, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them at every ambush. But if they repent, and perform the prayers, and pay the alms, then let them go their way. God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Qur'an 9:30The Jews said, Ezra is the son of God, and the Christians said, The Messiah is the son of God. These are their statements, out of their mouths. They emulate the statements of those who blasphemed before. May God assail them! How deceived they are!
Qur'an 9:123O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who attack you, and let them find severity in you, and know that God is with the righteous.
Qur'an 22:19 Here are two adversaries feuding regarding their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be tailored for them, and scalding water will be poured over their heads.
Qur'an 47:4When you encounter those who disbelieve, strike at their necks. Then, when you have routed them, bind them firmly. Then, either release them by grace, or by ransom, until war lays down its burdens. Had God willed, He could have defeated them Himself, but He thus tests some of you by means of others. As for those who are killed in the way of God, He will not let their deeds go to waste.
So, this meme is correct. What about this one?
Qur'an:The decision (hukm) is only for Allah. He declares the truth, and He is the best of judges 6:57; Surely, His is the judgment, and He is the swiftest in taking account 6:62; And in whatsoever you differ, the decision thereof is with Allah. He is the ruling judge 42:10 O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you disagree on anything, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the best and fairest resolution. 4:59
Qur'an 9:29Fight those who do not believe in God, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid what God and His Messenger have forbidden, nor abide by the religion of truthfrom among those who received the Scriptureuntil they pay the due tax, willingly or unwillingly.
Qur'an 33:27And He made you inherit their land, and their homes, and their possessions, and a region you have never stepped on. God has power over all things.
Qur'an 5:38As for the thief, whether male or female, cut their hands as a penalty for what they have reapeda deterrent from God. God is Mighty and Wise.
Qur'an 33:57Those who insult God and His Messenger, God has cursed them in this life and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a demeaning punishment.
Qur'an 4:89They would love to see you disbelieve, just as they disbelieve, so you would become equal. So do not befriend any of them, unless they emigrate in the way of God. If they turn away, seize them and execute them wherever you may find them; and do not take from among them allies or supporters.
The verses were difficult to decipher in this particular meme; however, I did find the appropriate Qur'an verses for the interpretations in this meme. So all 6 of these statements are found in the Qur'an.
Then there's this meme:
The Qur'an is somewhat vague about age of marriage for girls. As to marriage consummation when the female is 9 years old, that is the age at which Mohammed (who was in his 50's) consummated his marriage to the9 yo after she had her first menstruation cycle (he married her when she was 6). Since Mohammad is "The Prophet" anything he did was 1) approved by Allah and 2) subject to emulation by his followers.
Qur'an 70:29-30 And those who guard their chastity. Except from their spouses or those living under their control, for then they are free of blame.
Qur'an 24:4-5 Those who accuse chaste women, then cannot bring four witnesses, whip them eighty lashes, and do not ever accept their testimony. For these are the immoral. Except for those who repent afterwards, and reform; for God is Forgiving and Merciful.
Qur'an 4:34Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, as God has given some of them an advantage over others, and because they spend out of their wealth. The good women are obedient, guarding what God would have them guard. As for those from whom you fear disloyalty, admonish them, and abandon them in their beds, then strike them. But if they obey you, seek no way against them. God is Sublime, Great.
Qur'an 24:4Those who accuse chaste women, then cannot bring four witnesses, whip them eighty lashes, and do not ever accept their testimony. For these are the immoral.
Qur'an 9:29Fight those who do not believe in God, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid what God and His Messenger have forbidden, nor abide by the religion of truthfrom among those who received the Scriptureuntil they pay the due tax, willingly or unwillingly.
Qur'an8:12 Your Lord inspired the angels: I am with you, so support those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above the necks, and strike off every fingertip of theirs. And Qur'an 47:4. When you encounter those who disbelieve, strike at their necks. Then, when you have routed them, bind them firmly. Then, either release them by grace, or by ransom, until war lays down its burdens. Had God willed, He could have defeated them Himself, but He thus tests some of you by means of others. As for those who are killed in the way of God, He will not let their deeds go to waste.
Does not say 72 virgins: Qur'an 9:111 God has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties in exchange for Paradise. They fight in Gods way, and they kill and get killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Quran. And who is more true to his promise than God? So rejoice in making such an exchangethat is the supreme triumph.
Qur'an 2:217 They ask you about fighting during the Holy Month. Say, Fighting during it is deplorable; but to bar others from Gods path, and to disbelieve in Him, and to prevent access to the Holy Mosque, and to expel its people from it, are more deplorable with God. And persecution is more serious than killing. They will not cease to fight you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can. Whoever among you turns back from his religion, and dies a disbelieverthose are they whose works will come to nothing, in this life, and in the Hereafter. Those are the inmates of the Fire, abiding in it forever.And 4:89 They would love to see you disbelieve, just as they disbelieve, so you would become equal. So do not befriend any of them, unless they emigrate in the way of God. If they turn away, seize them and execute them wherever you may find them; and do not take from among them allies or supporters.
Qur'an8:12 Your Lord inspired the angels: I am with you, so support those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above the necks, and strike off every fingertip of theirs. And 47:4 When you encounter those who disbelieve, strike at their necks. Then, when you have routed them, bind them firmly. Then, either release them by grace, or by ransom, until war lays down its burdens. Had God willed, He could have defeated them Himself, but He thus tests some of you by means of others. As for those who are killed in the way of God, He will not let their deeds go to waste.
Qur'an 9:5When the Sacred Months have passed, kill the polytheists wherever you find them. And capture them, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them at every ambush. But if they repent, and perform the prayers, and pay the alms, then let them go their way. God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Qur'an8:12. Your Lord inspired the angels: I am with you, so support those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. So strike above the necks, and strike off every fingertip of theirs. And 8:60. And prepare against them all the power you can muster, and all the cavalry you can mobilize, to terrify thereby Gods enemies and your enemies, and others besides them whom you do not know, but God knows them. Whatever you spend in Gods way will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.
Qur'an 8:41And know that whatever spoils you gain, to God belongs its fifth, and to the Messenger, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and to the wayfarer, provided you believe in God and in what We revealed to Our servant on the Day of Distinction, the day when the two armies met. God is Capable of everything.
Qur'an 3:28 Believers are not to take disbelievers for friends instead of believers. Whoever does that has nothing to do with God, unless it is to protect your own selves against them. God warns you to beware of Him. To God is the destiny. And 2:173 He has forbidden you carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and what was dedicated to other than God. But if anyone is compelled, without desiring or exceeding, he commits no sin. God is Forgiving and Merciful. And 2:185 Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, shall fast it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate God for having guided you, so that you may be thankful. And 4:29 O you who believe! Do not consume each others wealth illicitly, but trade by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves, for God is Merciful towards you. And 2:78 And strive for God, with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you, and has not burdened you in religionthe faith of your father Abraham. It is he who named you Muslims before, and in this. So that the Messenger may be a witness over you, and you may be witnesses over the people. So pray regularly, and give regular charity, and cleave to God. He is your Protector. What an excellent Protector, and what an excellent Helper. And 2:225 God does not hold you responsible for your unintentional oaths, but He holds you responsible for your intentions. God is Forgiving and Forbearing. The Middle East Forum calls this theTaqiyya deceptionLet believers not take for friends and allies infidels instead of believers. Whoever does this shall have no relationship left with Allah unless you but guard yourselves against them, taking precautions.
So, with the exception of the 72 virgins claim, I find this meme to be true as well.
The Council on Foreign Relations has an entire section on Understanding Islam's Shari'a and how it intersects with law. They estimate about 1/2 of Muslim-majority countries have Shari'a based governments.
Bottom line? The religion of Islam calls for the killing (mostly by beheading) of anyone who is not a member of Islam. It allows its adherents to lie to anyone as long as they are promoting belief in Islam. It allows women to be enslaved and mistreated. With the exception of the 72 virgins, everything in these memes is correct and promoted in the Qur'an.
I find Islam and it's primary text, the Qur'an, to be antithetical to our US Constitution and Bill of Rights. All attempts to install Shari'a anywhere in our country needs to be stopped. Anyone promoting Shari'a needs to be repatriated to a country where their desire to have Shari'a be the governing principles has already been achieved.
Those are some of the exact words used by Googles censors, aka 'Orwelliancontent police,' in describing many of our controversial stories.Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
