In contemporary public discourse, the term “Sharia” is often associated with fear, rigidity, and incompatibility with modern systems. This perception, however, does not stem from a deep understanding of Islamic law, but rather from a cultural and media-driven narrative that has, over time, simplified and at times distorted its meaning. To truly understand Sharia, it is necessary to place it within a broader framework that considers not only its religious origin, but also the current crisis affecting global legal and political systems.
After the tragedies of the twentieth century, the international community made a significant effort to build an order based on shared principles, establishing institutions and legal instruments aimed at protecting human dignity and limiting the rule of the strongest. The creation of the United Nations, the establishment of the International Court of Justice, and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights marked fundamental milestones in this process, affirming a multilateral system based on law and cooperation.
Decades later, however, this balance appears increasingly fragile. International law is often applied unevenly, multilateral institutions show evident limitations, and power—in its various forms—once again tends to prevail over justice. In this context, a profound question emerges: which model can truly guarantee fairness, responsibility, and the protection of human beings?
Sharia, in its original meaning, is not a rigid code, but a path. The term itself indicates a “way” leading to a just life, founded on the balance between rights and duties, between the individual and the community, and between الإنسان and the Creator. It is grounded in universal principles that run across major religious traditions: justice, mercy, responsibility, and respect for human dignity.
The Qur’an clearly expresses this foundation by stating that God commands justice, benevolence, and solidarity, and forbids wrongdoing and oppression. Likewise, in the Prophetic tradition, it is emphasized that true faith is reflected in desiring for others what one desires for oneself. This principle resonates with the teaching of Prophet Jesus, who calls for loving one’s neighbor as oneself. In this convergence of values lies an essential truth: for law to be just, it must first be moral.
One of the most relevant, yet often misunderstood, aspects of Sharia concerns its very structure, which is based on the protection of fundamental interests: life, faith, intellect, property, and family. This orientation translates into particular attention to vulnerable groups and to social balance. Within this framework, the position of women assumes a dimension frequently overlooked in public debate. Islamic law recognizes women’s independent economic rights, including ownership, inheritance, and the management of their own wealth, without obliging them to financially support the household—a responsibility assigned to men. These principles were introduced in a historical context in which, in many other societies, such rights were not yet acknowledged.
Similarly, the Islamic tradition has, over centuries, developed forms of protection for religious minorities and places of worship, recognizing the value of plurality and coexistence. The Qur’an itself refers to the protection of places where the name of God is remembered, regardless of the faith.
The fear of Sharia therefore often arises from a confusion between its authentic meaning and certain historical or political applications that do not fully reflect its original principles. Like any legal system, its interpretation can be influenced by human context, but this should not lead to reducing it solely to its deviations.
At the same time, it is difficult to ignore the challenges facing many contemporary democratic systems. The principle of popular sovereignty, while remaining a theoretical cornerstone, sometimes appears weakened by dynamics that distance decision-making from the common good, influenced by particular interests, economic pressures, and power structures. In the absence of a solid ethical and spiritual foundation, even the most advanced models risk losing their original purpose, becoming instruments of power rather than service to society.
In this scenario, the reference to a divinely inspired law such as Sharia should not be understood as an ideological opposition, but rather as an invitation to reflect on the very foundation of justice. In its most authentic dimension, Sharia calls human beings to responsibility, awareness of their actions, and respect for an order based not on force, but on balance.
Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League (EML), stated that the issue of Sharia today requires an approach based on knowledge rather than fear, emphasizing that public discourse is often shaped by partial representations that do not do justice to the ethical principles of Islamic law. He observed that the current phase of the international community, marked by tensions and increasing difficulty in ensuring a consistent application of international law, calls for a serious reflection on the models of justice and responsibility adopted at the global level. He further stressed that every legal system should be evaluated by its ability to genuinely protect human dignity, ensure fairness, and prevent the abuse of power, recalling that Sharia, in its authentic dimension, embodies universal principles such as justice, responsibility, and respect for the human person. Finally, he highlighted the importance of open and respectful dialogue between cultures and legal systems, affirming that the goal is not to oppose models, but to rediscover shared values capable of guiding humanity toward a more balanced and responsible coexistence.
In a time marked by uncertainty and contradictions, the real question is not which system should prevail, but which values should guide humanity. Without justice, responsibility, and a higher moral reference, no society can truly be stable. In its deepest meaning, Sharia proposes itself as a reminder of this balance, offering not a threat, but a perspective that invites humanity to rediscover the true meaning of justice and responsibility in the world.
Why Does Sharia Inspire Fear? Between Perception, Reality, and the Crisis of Contemporary Models
