Where can I find an OBJECTIVE description of Sharia law?

There is actually a Sharia law manual that is endorsed by all major Sunni Muslim scholarly organizations, including al Azhar. It is called Umdat al Salik. The English translation is called "The Reliance of the Traveller". It can be purchased at Islamic bookstores, at most Mosques, or on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Traveller-Classic-I...

It's a bit pricey though, so if you don't want to spend the money, you can read it online here for free as a searchable PDF:

http://defendingislam10.files.wordpress.com/2011/0...

This is not just a description of Sharia, it IS sharia. The most interesting section starts on page 727, which is Book O: Justice. This is the section that lays out crime and punishment.

*edit: "When you get out of the realm of what in the U.S. is called "family law" -- divorces, child custody, things like that -- Sharia law is not really all that objectionable to Western morals."

I have to disagree with you here. Under Sharia, a woman has no legal right to initiate a divorce. A man can divorce his wife for any reason, even without informing her (Talaq). However, a woman's only option for divorce is Khula, wherein she must ask her husband to divorce her (as she does not have the authority to initiate divorce), possibly in return for monetary payment or return of her Mahr. Also, under Sharia, if a divorced woman remarries, she loses all custody rights to her children - even if her ex-hsuband (the children's father) is dead...the custody reverts to the husband's family) rather than her. Also, . Both of these laws are completely contrary to Western morals.

While I hate giving references to Wikipedia, on this subject it's actually pretty good.

When you get out of the realm of what in the U.S. is called "family law" -- divorces, child custody, things like that -- Sharia law is not really all that objectionable to Western morals. It doesn't handle corporations and other business entities the same way U.S./English law does, which can raise problems in a business setting.

peace upon truth seekers,

ya_shami@yahoo.ca

generally speaking:Sharia Law is NOT for USA, but rather: Muslim state. however, it might be granted [under the freedom of religion Amendment] to a group of peoples Muslims, whom all shall sign agreement to apply it among them, and, blessed by the Supreme Court of the land.

sharia law is from the Creator God, [Allah in Aramaic]

Muslims only asking to have freedom to apply sharia law within themselves, not to be imposed on non Muslims. the Quran firmly prohibit that:

Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter

in Muslim lands, Jews and Christians enjoy same freedom:

sharia law is from the Creator God, [Allah in Aramaic]

Muslims only asking to have freedom to apply sharia law within themselves, not to be imposed on non Muslims. the Quran firmly prohibit that:

Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter not My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers. (44) And We prescribed for them therein: The life for the life, and the eye for the eye, and the nose for the nose, and the ear for the ear, and the tooth for the tooth, and for wounds retaliation. But whoso forgoeth it (in the way of charity) it shall be expiation for him. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are wrong-doers. (45)

for Christians:

Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers. (47)

for Muslims:

And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah ye will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein ye differ. (48)

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this is the true secular system. total separation between state and religion.

[in short: the Law of God /Allah ONLY apply on those who accept it, and, in the form of their own society has been applying]

its like the saying: live and let [others] live,

my question to you:

does it harm you in any way if Muslims applied sharia law between themselves only?

BTW, are you aware that Muslims in middle east protected local Christians even after crusaders killed 1 million Muslims? [some of their Churches are 2000 years old] you are welcome to visit.

[from Sura /Chater5 al-Maedah /Last Supper]

http://www.google.com/search?q=sharia+law+describt...

you can read few links to get the picture.