Faculty of Shari’ah and Law Conducted a Social Engagement Session on “Law and Society” at Makunudhoo School

The Faculty of Shari’ah and Law of The Maldives National University, in collaboration with Makunudhoo School, successfully conducted a Social Engagement session for Grade 8 and 9 students on the topic “Law and Society” on 24th September 2026

The session was conducted by Lecturer Uza. Shara Mohamed Saeed. It gave young students a chance to learn about law in a simple, practical way and to connect it to their daily lives.

Understanding law and society

The session began with what law is: the official set of rules and regulations established and enforced by the state to regulate human conduct and maintain social order. Students also learned what a society is, covering population and territory, institutions, collective identity and culture, and authority and social control. The session stressed that law reflects a society’s values and norms, and that a society without law would be chaotic

Law, religion, morality and custom

Students learned that law interacts with three other normative systems: religion, morality and custom. They looked at how political, religious, cultural, technological, economic, and demographic factors drive social change and lead to new laws. The session also introduced the separation of powers (legislature, executive and judiciary) and how a bill becomes law in the Maldives. The lecturer explained justice as giving each person what is properly due to them, and compared civil and criminal justice.

Islamic law and modern social needs

The second part of the session covered the nature of Islamic law (Shari’ah) as a system derived from divine revelation, with a moral and ethical foundation. Students were introduced to its sources: the Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma’ and Qiyas. The session also looked at how Islamic law meets modern needs through ijtihad and the higher objectives of Shari’ah (maqasid), for example in banking and corporate personality. It explained the difference between fixed rulings and flexible areas open to interpretation.

The session helped students see law as something that protects their rights, sets out their responsibilities and keeps society fair and orderly. It also showed how Islamic principles continue to guide legal thinking in the Maldives today. The Faculty of Shari’ah and Law thanks Makunudhoo School for its cooperation and looks forward to more community engagement programs.