For Muslims, Shariah law is not just a system of criminal justice but more a way of life. Rather like the Four Noble Truths offer a moral system for Buddhists or the Bible for Christians, Shariah is a religious benchmark for living that most Muslims follow as a matter of principle. It covers religious rituals, and many aspects of political, social and domestic life.  

Most Muslim countries are legally secular but some, like Saudi Arabia, claim to live under pure Shariah law. Other countries only adopt elements of it into areas such as contract law and finance. 

In finance, Shariah rulings reflect the desire to avoid exploitation in all business transactions and prohibit the accumulation of wealth through unjust activities.