The Evolution of Fiqh (1.3 Legal Content of the Qur’aan)

Islamic legislation in the Qur’aan is comprised of a variety of acts which have been enjoined by divine decree on mankind. These acts may be grouped in two basic categories with regard to the parties involved in the acts: 
 

A. Dealings between Allaah and men. These are the religious rites which are not valid without correct intentions. Some of them are purely religious forms of worship, like prayer and fasting; while others are socio-economic forms of worship, like Zakaah (compulsory charity); and yet others are sociophysical

forms of worship, like Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).Muhammad al-Khidaree Bek, Taareekh at-Tashree’ al-Islaamee, (Cairo:al-Maktabah at-Tajaareeyah al-Kubraa, 1960) 

These four acts of worship are considered the foundation of

Islaam after faith (Eemaan).

B. Dealings among men. The laws governing these dealings may themselves be divided into four sub-sections relative to

the subject matter of the dealings:

a) Laws ensuring and defending the propagation of Islaam. These, are embodied in the codes of armed or unarmed struggle (Jihaad).

b) Family laws for the development and protection of the family structure. These include laws concerning marriage, divorce and inheritance.

c) Trade laws governing business transactions, rental contracts etc.

d) Criminal laws specifying punishments and or  compensations for various crimes. Taareekh at-Tashree’ al-Islaamee, pp. 34-5.