What Is Prohibited Under Sharia Law? A Simple Islamic Guide
Sharia (Islamic law) refers to the commands that Allah revealed in His Books and sent through His Messengers to humanity, so that people may uphold them as acts of worship to Allah and seek closeness to Him, in accordance with what His Messengers—may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon them all—were commanded to convey.
One of the most common questions asked by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike is: what is prohibited under sharia law? Sharia law, in its true sense, is not merely a list of punishments or restrictions. Rather, it is a comprehensive moral and legal framework derived from the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the consensus of the scholars.
We will offer a clear, accessible explanation of what is prohibited under sharia law, its wisdom, objectives, and the principles that guide Islamic legal rulings.
A Clear Explanation of What Is Prohibited Under Sharia Law
To understand what is prohibited under sharia law, one must first understand the concept of haram. Indeed, declaring something lawful or unlawful is an exclusive right of Allah تعالى, in which no one shares. As Allah says:
“And do not say, according to what your tongues falsely describe, ‘This is lawful and this is unlawful,’ so as to invent lies against Allah” (An-Nahl 16:116).
And as the Prophet ﷺ said:
“What is lawful is what Allah has made lawful in His Book, what is unlawful is what Allah has made unlawful in His Book, and whatever He has remained silent about is among that which He has pardoned.” Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, and Ibn Majah.
And whatever the Messenger of Allah has prohibited is the same as what Allah has prohibited, as established in authentic hadith, for he does not speak from his own desire; it is nothing but revelation revealed.
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Haram in the linguistic sense means: that which is prohibited or forbidden. In technical (juristic) terminology, scholars have defined it in two ways:
The first definition: That which the Lawgiver has decisively and obligatorily commanded to be avoided.
The second definition: That for which a person is rewarded for abstaining from it out of obedience, and the doer deserves punishment.
Its designations include: Haram (forbidden), prohibited, restricted, disobedience, and sin.
Islamic law classifies human actions into five categories: obligatory, recommended, permissible, disliked, and prohibited. What is prohibited under sharia law falls into the most serious category because engaging in such acts causes harm—either spiritually, socially, or morally.
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Common Misunderstandings About Sharia Law
Much confusion surrounds what is prohibited under sharia law, largely due to misinformation. One common misunderstanding is the belief that sharia law is harsh, rigid, or incompatible with modern life.
Some people argue that we are no longer living in the Prophetic era or the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, as that period has passed and come to an end. We now live in an age of cultural and intellectual globalization, and they therefore question whether Sharia is capable of keeping pace with the requirements of the modern age.
These assumptions are based on an insufficient understanding of the true nature of Sharia and the sources of Islamic legislation. This issue can be resolved when people come to understand the merits, positive aspects, and virtues of Sharia, and when a clear and accurate image of Islam and its rulings is presented—along with its ability to deal with non-Muslims with fairness and justice.
In general, it must be made clear that Sharia is suitable for every time and place, due to the richness of its sciences and the multiplicity of its sources, and that it can be applied to issues regardless of how modern or newly emerging they may be, in a manner that regulates people’s lives and interactions.
For example, Sharia has commanded consultation (shūrā) and strongly emphasized it, yet it has left the methods and mechanisms of consultation to expertise and experience, since such methods evolve with the passage of time and the development of needs.
Among the principles that represent factors of flexibility and expansiveness in this Sharia, and that ensure its ability to meet various evolving needs, are those mentioned by scholars, such as:
consideration of necessities, valid excuses, and exceptional circumstances, and the change of legal rulings (fatwas) with the change of times, places, conditions, and customs, along with other principles of sound judgment and vitality in this eternal Sharia—provided that all of this takes place within a disciplined framework of recognized and valid juristic reasoning (ijtihād), and not through unrestricted submission to personal desires, so that the sanctity of Sharia is not violated by every ignorant claimant.
The Purpose of Prohibitions in Islamic Teachings
When examining what is prohibited under sharia law, it is crucial to understand why these prohibitions exist. Islamic teachings aim to preserve five fundamental necessities: faith, life, intellect, lineage, and property.
Some people may think that prohibition represents a restriction on human nature in its behavior and actions. In reality, prohibition serves to regulate such behavior in a way that aligns with achieving what is beneficial for people in both their worldly lives and their Hereafter. The wisdom behind prohibition is manifested in several aspects:
Every form of harm is prohibited, so that Sharia protects harm from affecting the doer himself or those around him. For example, prohibitions related to intoxicants protect the intellect, while bans on theft and fraud safeguard property. Moral prohibitions preserve family structure and social harmony. Thus, every ruling has a clear objective rooted in human well-being.
Likewise, everything that is repulsive or impure is prohibited. This reflects one of the civilizational aspects of Islam, as it is a religion founded upon cleanliness, elegance, and purity.
Another aspect of the wisdom behind prohibition is that whatever leads to what is forbidden is itself forbidden. This is based on the principle of blocking the means (sadd al-dharā’iʿ) سد الذرائع . Accordingly, acts such as lustful looking, physical contact, seclusion with a non-mahram woman, immodest display, and similar behaviors are prohibited so that they do not lead to adultery (Zina).
Hence the eloquence of the Qur’an in the words of Allah تعالى:
“And do not approach immoralities—what is apparent of them and what is concealed” (Al-An‘ām 6:151),
and His saying:
“And do not approach adultery. Indeed, it is an abomination and an evil path” (Al-Isrā’ 17:32).
So what is forbidden does not mean that religion imposes undue restriction upon people. Rather, it means organizing social life in all its dimensions in a way that achieves justice and security, and regulates human behavior within society in relation to oneself and to others.
Examples of Actions Forbidden in Islam
Haram is of two types in terms of the nature of its harm: is it inherent to the prohibited act itself, or does it arise from something external to it? The Lawgiver only prohibits that which contains harm. To further clarify what is prohibited under sharia law, the following are well-established examples:
First: Haram in and of itself (haram li-dhātih) حرام لذاته
This is that whose harm is inherent in its very nature and inseparable from it, meaning that it can never be lawful. Examples include:
- Shirk (associating partners with Allah):
Allah, Exalted be He, has informed that He does not forgive it and that it nullifies all righteous deeds. Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him” (Surat An-Nisā’, 4:116). - Whoever sets up intermediaries between himself and Allah—calling upon them, seeking their intercession, and placing reliance upon them.
- Adultery and sodomy; Allah, Exalted be He, has declared both to be grave immorality and a heinous crime.
- Disobedience to parents (undutifulness to one’s parents).
- Theft
- Usury (riba)
- Intoxicants (khamr)
- Consuming pork
- Killing a soul without right
Its ruling: It is not permissible for a legally accountable person to commit it, and if he does so, he incurs sin.
Second: Haram due to its circumstance or manner of acquisition (haram li-kasbih) حرام لكسبه
This is that whose harm arises from an attribute attached to the act, not from its essence. The act itself is originally lawful, but the reason for its prohibition is an external factor that has become associated with it. Examples include:
- Performing prayer in a graveyard—other than the funeral prayer. Prayer in its essence is lawful, but what makes it prohibited here is the external circumstance, namely, that it is performed in a graveyard.
- Conducting sales transactions in a mosque. Trade is originally lawful, but what renders it prohibited in this case is the external factor of conducting it inside the mosque.
These examples illustrate that what is prohibited under sharia law consistently aligns with universal moral values such as justice, honesty, and compassion.
Ulum Al-Azhar Academy’s View on Islamic Legal Principles
What is prohibited under sharia law requires us to understand that there is nothing declared unlawful except that it contains harm for people. Allah the Exalted does not prohibit anything except what is harmful, as stated in His saying:
“Say, ‘I do not find in what has been revealed to me anything forbidden to one who eats it except that it be carrion, or flowing blood, or the flesh of swine—for indeed, it is impure—or sinful offerings dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is compelled by necessity, neither desiring it nor transgressing, then indeed your Lord is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (Al-An‘ām 145)
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Conclusion
So, what is prohibited under sharia law? In essence, it refers to clearly defined actions that cause harm to faith, life, intellect, family, or society. These prohibitions are limited in scope, rooted in mercy, and guided by wisdom.
Prohibitions are not tools for punishment, but safeguards designed to cultivate upright individuals and harmonious communities. When understood correctly, Islamic law presents a balanced system that promotes justice, compassion, and moral responsibility.
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FAQs
Is everything restricted in Islam?
No. The principle in Islam is that everything is permissible unless there is clear evidence that it is prohibited.
Why are some actions strictly forbidden?
Because they cause serious harm to individuals or society, which contradicts the objectives of Islamic law.
Is sharia law only about punishments?
No. Punishments form a very small part of Islamic law, which mainly focuses on ethics, worship, and social justice.
Can Islamic prohibitions change with time?
Core prohibitions remain constant, but their application may consider context, necessity, and public interest under scholarly guidance.
