<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Islam presents a unified paradigm that transcends time and space, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding reality and guiding human behavior. At the heart of this paradigm lies the belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and the submission to His will (Islam), principles that have been upheld by all prophets throughout history.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From the first human, Prophet Adam (As.) who received divine guidance to establish monotheism and moral conduct, to the subsequent prophets like Nuh (As.), Musa (As.), Daud (As.), Isa (As.), and finally, Muhammad (Sm.), each brought a message consistent with the overarching Islamic paradigm.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the paradigm remains constant, the Shariah which i understand as a methodology, revealed to each prophet varied according to the needs and circumstances of their communities. Prophet Nuh (As.), for instance, was tasked with guiding his people through a great flood, emphasizing repentance and obedience to Allah's command. Prophet Musa (As.) received a comprehensive legal code suited to the Children of Israel, addressing their social, moral, and ceremonial practices.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Prophet Daud (As.) was given guidance on kingship and justice, while Prophet Isa (As.) preached love, compassion, and spiritual renewal. With the final revelation to Prophet Muhammad (Sm.), Islam reached its culmination, providing a dynamic methodology that adapts to changing times and contexts.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Quran, revealed to the Prophet (Sm.), serves as a timeless guide, addressing the complexities of human life and offering principles of faith, morality, and social justice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Additionally, the Sunnah (traditions) of the messenger, recorded in the Hadith, provide practical examples and guidance for Muslims to follow in their daily lives.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, the methodology of Islam continues to evolve through the process of Ijtihad, allowing scholars to interpret and apply Islamic principles in light of contemporary challenges.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This dynamic approach ensures that Islam remains relevant and applicable to all aspects of life, while remaining firmly rooted in its unified paradigm of monotheism, submission to the Almighty, and ethical conduct.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Islam, the vast majority of Shariah rulings are derived through interpretation and reasoning based on the principles and guidance found in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These principles provide a framework for understanding the objectives (Maqasid) of Islamic law, which include the preservation of faith, life, intellect, lineage, and property.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For example, the Quran and the Sunnah provide general principles such as justice, equity, compassion, and mercy, which serve as guiding principles for Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). Scholars employ various methodologies, including textual analysis, precedent (Qiyas), analogy (Istihsan), public interest (Maslahah), and consensus (Ijma), to derive specific rulings on matters not explicitly addressed in the primary sources.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Each ruling is justified based on its alignment with the overarching goals and principles of Islam, as well as its relevance to the specific context and circumstances of the time.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This dynamic approach allows Islamic law to remain relevant and adaptable to changing realities while remaining faithful to its foundational principles and values.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this way, the vast array of Shariah rulings in Islam can be seen as applications of the unified paradigm and dynamic methodology, reflecting the ongoing process of interpretation, reasoning, and adaptation in light of the core principles of the faith.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In essence, Islam stands as a unified paradigm and dynamic methodology, offering timeless principles and practical guidance for believers of all times and places, from the dawn of humanity to the present day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>(Dr. Muhammad Tazammol Hoque, Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Jagannath University)</b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd/fas</div>