Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines the cultural origins of Islamic law. Some authorities stress the importance of the contribution of Roman law; others that of Arabian law. Most are agreed that Jewish law contributed, but not explained further. Dr Crone tests the Roman hypothesis with reference to one institution, the patronate, which does indeed appear to owe something to Roman law. He concludes that Roman law contributed only in so far as it was part and parcel of the rather different legal practice of the Near Eastern provinces, and that provincial law would repay further consideration by legal historians.
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. The state of the field; 2. A practical guide to the study of Islamic law; 3. The Islamic patronate; 4. The case against Arabia; 5. The case against the non-Roman Near East: paramone; 6. The case for the Roman Near East; 7. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Index.
