Description
Book SynopsisFrom different geographical and ideological points across the contemporary Arab world, this book demonstrates the range of views on just what Islam's legal heritage in the region should be.
Trade ReviewThese essays are a useful contribution to the increasing number of debates on Islamic law today. . . . the broad spectrum of themes and the style of writing ensure that scholars from a wide range of disciplines will be able to absorb the main arguments and perceive the specific ethical dilemmas in Islamic legal discourse today. * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *
This compilation of eight research articles on Islamic law by leading experts, edited by two equally distinguished scholars, is a timely work that is rich in its analysis, broad in its scope, and balanced in its approach. The discourse envelops the intricacies, contradictions, and interpretive controversies of Islamic law as faced by the modern-day Arab states. It covers the impact of East-West interaction on Islamic legal codes and Sharia; the relevance of traditional Islamic customs/rules to present circumstances; the competence and caliber of Islamic scholars who are supposed to define and elaborate the practical aspects of law; and areas of dispute especially in matters of family law and gender related aspects. The work defines these topics well and provides excellent citations and sources for further research. The contributors address the subject from a variety of vantage points and provide sufficient background on the issues from theoretical and scholarly as well as historical and political perspectives. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Islamic Law and the Challenges of Modernity Part 2 Modernization and Legal Reforms in the Arab World Chapter 3 Can the Shari'a be Restored? Chapter 4 Inscribing the Islamic Shari'a in Arab Constitutional Law Chapter 5 A Typology of State Muftis Chapter 6 A Contextual Approach to Improving Asylum Law and Practices in the Middle East Part 7 Legal reforms and the Impact on Women Chapter 8 Internationalizing the Conversation on Women's Rights: Arab Countries Face the CEDAW Committee Chapter 9 Tahlil Marriage in Shari'a, Legal Codes, and the Contemporary Fatwa Literature Chapter 10 Egyptian Feminism: Trapped in the Identity Debate Chapter 11 Muslim Women and Legal Reform: The Case of Jordan and Women's Work
