Islamic Law and the Challenges of Modernity

These 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 *