chari3a شريعة
Tunisian Derja · noun
“chari3a” (شريعة) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning Islamic law, sharia.
Meanings
- Islamic law, sharia
- religious law, what religion prescribes
Usage
Chari3a refers to Islamic law. The word comes from standard Arabic, but it is known to everyone and appears in religious, political, or legal discussions. It is found in expressions like "fi ech-chari3a" (according to religious law) or "tatbiq ech-chari3a" (application of sharia). In everyday conversation, to say something is permitted or forbidden by religion, "char3an" or "fi ed-din" are preferred. The register remains rather formal. In English, the term "sharia" often carries a political charge, so be mindful of context before translating.
Example
هذا موش مكتوب في الشريعة
hedha mouch mektoub fi ech-chari3a
“This is not written in Islamic law.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “chari3a” but also “char3a” and “shari3a”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.