Sharia
noun
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Sharia
American
[shuh-ree-uh, shah-ree-ah]
/ ʃəˈri ə, ʃɑˈri ɑ /
Or
Shariah,
noun
Islam.
sharia
British
/ ʃəˈriːə /
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.
“Singling out Sharia law feels like it’s just an attempt to kind of fearmonger against Muslims and Islamic religious practices,” Sinnar said.
From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026
Two-thirds referenced themes such as radical Islam, Sharia law, extremism or terrorism.
From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026
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
While religious courts, including Sharia councils, do operate in the UK, most of their work deals with religious marriage arbitration and financial matters.
From BBC • Sep. 24, 2025
I had to go before the Mahgama Sharia, he explained.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
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.
