Religious law
Religious law is a set of rules and guidelines drawn from religious beliefs. These laws cover morality, worship, family life, community conduct, and how religious communities run themselves. They can be applied in different ways depending on the country and the tradition.
Key forms of religious law
- Christian canon law: The internal legal system of some Christian churches (not the civil law of states). It governs church organization, discipline, and worship for groups like the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox churches, and some Anglican churches. Modern codes (the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches) organize how the church operates. It usually does not have civil authority outside the church, but it shapes church life and clergy training.
- Jewish Halakha: The body of Jewish religious law derived from the Torah and the Talmud. It covers many aspects of daily life and religious practice. Important texts include the Mishnah, Talmud, and the Shulchan Aruch, with ongoing rabbinic interpretation called Responsa.
- Islamic Sharia: Islamic law based on the Quran and the example of Muhammad (the Sunnah). Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) expands on these sources using consensus (ijma) and analogy (qiyas). Sharia deals with personal behavior, family matters, crime, finance, and more. In some places it operates alongside civil law; in others it is the main legal system for Muslims.
- Hindu law: Traditional rules drawn from Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas, Dharmashastras, and other texts. These rules have guided personal and family matters in many Hindu communities, sometimes adapting under colonial and modern legal systems.
- Bahá’í laws: Guidelines from Bahá’í scripture and revealed writings interpreted by Bahá’í institutions. They emphasize personal conscience, community order, and spiritual growth, with important rules found in texts like the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.
- Buddhist Patimokkha: A code of monastic discipline followed by Buddhist monks and nuns, outlining ethical rules and procedures for monastic life.
- Jain law: Contemporary interpretation of ancient Jain rules related to adoption, marriage, succession, and death for Jain practitioners.
- Other Christian traditions: Some groups look to Mosaic Law (Old Covenant) in different ways, while others emphasize New Covenant teachings, grace, and faith. Canon law in various Christian denominations is tailored to their own governance and practice.
How religious law fits with society
- Different political systems: Some places are theocracies or have an established church; others are secular or protect religious diversity. In some societies, religious law applies to everyone; in others, it governs only religious life or matters within a community.
- Relationship with civil law: In many countries, religious law runs alongside civil law but does not replace it. Some communities use religious courts for family or religious matters, while state courts handle civil and criminal cases.
- Diversity in practice: Within each tradition, interpretations and applications of the law can vary widely. Different schools, communities, and countries may emphasize different sources and methods.
In short, religious law provides guidance about right and wrong as understood by a faith. It exists in many forms across traditions and interacts with civil government in a range of ways, from guiding personal conduct to shaping institutional rules.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 20:05 (CET).