The Origins and Evolution of Islamic Law: 1 (Themes in Islamic Law, Series Number 1) - Softcover

Hallaq, Wael B.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521005809 ISBN 13: 9780521005807

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2004

Synopsis

Long before the rise of Islam in the early seventh century, Arabia had come to form an integral part of the Near East. This book, covering more than three centuries of legal history, presents an important account of how Islam developed its own law while drawing on ancient Near Eastern legal cultures, Arabian customary law and Quranic reforms. The development of the judiciary, legal reasoning and legal authority during the first century is discussed in detail as is the dramatic rise of prophetic authority, the crystallization of legal theory and the formation of the all-important legal schools. Finally the book explores the interplay between law and politics, explaining how the jurists and the ruling elite led a symbiotic existence that - seemingly paradoxically - allowed Islamic law and its application to be uniquely independent of the 'state'.

About this title

Review:

'The publication of this book is timely and apposite. ...The aim of this book, which it successfully achieves, is to make a survey of the origins and evolution of Islamic Law ...'. Journal of Comparative Law

' ... the unprecedented comprehensiveness and conciseness of the work should make it standard reading for novice students approaching the study of early Islamic law ... Professor Hallaq's book should be welcomed as an interesting and provocative contribution to an ongoing discussion.' The Journal of Relgion

Book Description:

Wael Hallaq treats the rise of Islamic law from 622 to 950 AD when the law and legal system reached maturity. This is the first book that offers such a wide coverage of Islamic legal history, with the intention of informing students and non-specialists in a readable and insightful narrative.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0521005809
• ISBN 13: 9780521005807
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250