Providing a comprehensive and accessible exploration of Shari'ah Law, this well considered introduction examines its sources, applications, characteristic features and various schools of thought.
A world expert's introduction to the controversial subject of Islamic law Providing a comprehensive and accessible examination of Shari'ah Law, this well considered introduction examines the sources, characteristic features, and schools of thought of a system often stereotyped for its severity in the West. In a progressive and graduated fashion, Mohammad Hashim Kamali discusses
topics ranging from juristic disagreement to independent reasoning. Also broaching more advanced topics such as the principle of legality and the role and place of Shari'ah-oriented policy, Kamali controversially questions whether Islam is as much of a law-based religion as it has often been made out to be. Complete with a bibliography and glossary, and both a general index and an index of Arabic quotations, this wide-ranging exploration will prove an indispensable resource for Islamic students and scholars, and an informative guide to a complex topic for the general reader.
"A remarkable overview of the conceptual framework of shari'ah. At a time when the phrase "Islamic law" can mean anything, Kamali insists on precision in terminology and helps the reader orient herself in a vast and perhaps unfamiliar terrain."
