As-Salaamu 'Alaykum

The topic of whether we should obey the law of the land we live in or not has been a controversial topic for the Muslims in the west. Some people say we are obliged to obey it while others say it is completely forbidden, even shirk. This causes a lot of confusion amongst the Ummah, when it should not be so confusing.

I have tried to look at both sides of the argument. But I wanted someone to present their views, using Qur`aan and Sunnah as opposed to personal opinions, first and then we can have the discussion inshaa`Allaah and clarify any confusion..

I would like to start off though with the saying by Imaam Bukhaari: Al-'Ilmu Qablal Qawlu wa 'Amal - the knowledge [of the Divine rules] comes before any speech or action.

This means we must look to what Allaah and His Messenger said first before declaring something obliged or forbidden...