A religious legal system or tradition draws some or all of its rules from religious texts, teachings and methods of interpretation. The role such rules play in state law differs substantially between countries.

Religious law and state law

Some states incorporate religious rules into parts of their national legal system. Others maintain largely secular state law while allowing religious communities or tribunals a limited role in personal or internal religious matters.

Islamic law

Islamic jurisprudence draws on sources including the Quran and Sunnah together with established methods of legal interpretation. Its implementation varies between jurisdictions and schools of jurisprudence. It should therefore not be described as one identical legal code applied everywhere.

Jewish law

Halakha is the body of Jewish religious law and practice developed from sources including the Torah, Talmud and later rabbinic interpretation. Its role differs between religious communities and legal jurisdictions.

Christian canon law

Canon law regulates internal matters within certain Christian churches. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, has a developed system of canon law governing church administration and other ecclesiastical matters.

Plural legal systems

In some countries religious, customary and civil legal traditions operate alongside one another. Questions about jurisdiction, constitutional rights and equality can arise when different systems overlap.

Religious legal systems are best studied in their specific historical and jurisdictional context rather than assuming that one description applies equally to every faith or country.