(From Pray4SouthAsia.com). Sharia is the Islamic legal system based on the Qur’an, Hadith and scholarly interpretations. It covers worship, family life, business, crime and ethics. Some countries apply it strictly, while others mix it with secular laws. Sharia guides personal religious duties and emphasizes justice, fairness and morality. However interpretations of Sharia differ across cultures.
Sharia law is widely debated among both Muslims and non-Muslims. Its supporters see it as a moral, legal system that is good for society. Some argue for its reform. Criticisms include: some interpretations prescribing harsh punishments such as stoning or amputation, discrimination against women, and severe restrictions on personal beliefs. There are many other criticisms, but a major one is how some rulers use Sharia for political control. In South Asia, the Maldives and Pakistan have the strictest sharia laws.
How can we pray?
Pray for respectful dialogues about law and grace between Muslims and Christians in South Asia.
Pray for more and more South Asian Muslims to see that no one is justified by keeping the law. (Galatians 2:16) Rather the revelation that we are justified by faith in Christ.
Pray for reformation of Sharia in places like the Maldives and Pakistan.
Pray for Muslims to be receptive to the teaching that moral transformation is a result of an ongoing relationship with Jesus.