Sharia (Islamic law) developed after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as scholars relied on Islamic sources and legal reasoning to derive rulings and guidance in the face of Muslim questions around law, ethics, and ritual.
During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, disputes and questions on everything from creed to law to social and political affairs could be settled in his presence. With his passing, however, Muslims faced the challenge of navigating questions, problems, and disputes without his guidance. This dilemma led to the development of what is known as the Sharia–a guide that informs us of how to live our lives in accordance with God’s wishes but in the absence of prophecy.