What is Shari’a? Shari’a is the Islamic legal system. It governs religious life, personal behavior, and political authority. In Islam, religion and government are not separate. Is it compatible with the U.S. Constitution? The short answer is no. The U.S. Constitution protects religious freedom and separates church and state. Shari’a views Islam as a system meant to rule society and ultimately prevail over all others, which creates a direct conflict with American constitutional principles.