The use of the phrase 'Islamic Customs and Traditions'

A: Islam is different from customs and traditions; it is Allah's Revelation to His Messengers and for which Allah revealed His Divine Books. If Muslims act upon Islamic teachings, these teachings will be part of their identity. All Muslims know that Islam is not a system derived from habits and traditions. This knowledge is a must for Muslims to have perfect faith in Allah, His Messengers and the rest of the basic rules of the Islamic Shari`ah. But it becomes common on the radio, newspapers, and magazines to use phrases like the one mentioned in the question: (In conformity with Islamic customs and traditions). Ordinary people use this phrase with good intentions to convey their surrender to the teachings and ruling principles of Islam. They are praised for this good intention but still they should use expressions of clear implication to convey the meaning they have without implying that Islam is a group of customs and traditions that Muslims inherited from their earlier ancestors. So, instead of using this phrase commonly used to mean that Muslim societies follow specific teachings, it should be said, 'In conformity with the Shari`ah of Islam and its just judgments'. A Muslim's good intention is not sufficient; a Muslim should combine good intention with the use of accurate and clear expressions. Therefore, it is not permissible for a Muslim to use this phrase and similar phrases which wrongly imply that the Islamic Shari`ah is about a group of customs and traditions. The good intentions of a person does not exclude him from the liabilities of using misleading words which convey such (Part No. 2; Page No. 156) mistakes, especially when it is possible for him to use other words to protect his tongue from uttering anything that is wrong and avoid criticism and vagueness.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.