Sharia
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of Sharia
First recorded in 1855–60; from Arabic sharīʿah “law,” from sharaʿa “to prescribe”
Explanation
In Islam, sharia is religious law that's based on the Quran. Observant Muslims turn to sharia to help them live morally good lives. The Arabic root of sharia is shari'ah, "revealed law," or more poetically, "the clear, well-trodden path to water." These rules are understood to be revelations from God, and observant Muslims use them as instructions for things like prayer and fasting, but also in areas such as business and legal decisions. In majority-Muslim countries, there are entire sharia legal systems, complete with Islamic jurists who interpret texts and issue guidance and punishment.
Vocabulary lists containing sharia
World Religions
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Africa - Middle School
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South Asia - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Two-thirds referenced themes such as radical Islam, Sharia law, extremism or terrorism.
From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026
Each chapter varies in ideology, and one of its aims is to create a state ruled by Islamic law, or Sharia.
From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025
Since returning to power, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.
From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025
Cabinet minister Pat McFadden rejected the claim that London wanted to "go to" Sharia and said British law and "no other kind of law" applied in the UK.
From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025
According to Sharia, Muslim law, Uncle Abdullah became our guardian.
From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
