Assalamu alaikum brothers and sisters,
I have a question and would really appreciate your guidance.
I’m about to write an ideahistory exam paper, and I’m considering writing about sharia and how it has developed over time, from the time of the Prophet ﷺ until today, including how its application (like punishments) may have changed.
However, I’m a bit unsure about something. In many academic sources, it says that sharia law “started” in the 600s during the time of the Prophet ﷺ. But from an Islamic perspective, wouldn’t it be more correct to say that Allah’s law has existed since the time of Adam (AS), and that each prophet had their own form of guidance or law?
So I’m trying to understand,
How should I explain this properly in my assignment without misrepresenting Islam? Should I present it as:
Historically: sharia developed after the Prophet ﷺ
Religiously: divine law has always existed since Adam (AS)?
Also, do you think it’s appropriate to write about this topic in general, and are there any key things I should be careful about?
Any advice, clarification, or sources would mean a lot.
Jazakum Allahu khair 🤲