In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Regardless of one’s status in religious or worldly affairs, the Shariah is a decisive proof for or against us all. This should never leave the minds of those who experienced many temptations and were guided by Allah to prefer the truth and the welfare of the Dawah over the interests of individuals for nearly three decades.

Imaam Ash-Shaatibee [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation [i.e. humankind and jinn] – the old and young alike; the obedient and the disobedient; the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the other nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- generally and specifically; the (means of judgement) and the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path connected to (what Allaah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not seen the statement of Allah [The Most High]:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَا‌ۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا‌ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).’’ [Soorah Ash-Shooraa. Ayah: 52]

He [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] was the first to be guided to the Book and Imaan, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah which was sent down upon him explains that guidance [i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other]. All the creation [i.e. mankind and Jinn] are guided by it.

Therefore, when this is the case, the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them [i.e. against mankind and Jinn] and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth. Their nobility is established in accordance with how far they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah [The Most High] has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

The one who is the firmest (in his or her) adherence to the Shariah is more worthy of honour and nobility. Therefore, honour is (measured) in accordance with one’s (level of adherence) to the Shariah.

[Source: Al-Itisaam 3/434 slightly paraphrased]