Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence (Islamic Texts Society)

This book offers the only detailed presentation available in English of the theory of Muslim law (usul al-fiqh). Often regarded as the most sophisticated of the traditional Islamic disciplines, Muslim jurisprudence is concerned with the way in which the rituals and laws of religion are derived from the Qur'an and the Sunna - the precedent of the Prophet. At a time when many Muslim countries are moving towards the reintroduction of Islamic law, it is important that the principles and nature of this rich and diverse legal tradition be correctly understood, both by legislators themselves and by outside observers. Written as a university textbook, Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence is distinguished by its clarity and readability; it is an essential reference work not only for students of Islamic law, but also for anyone with an interest in Muslim society or in issues of comparative jurisprudence.