Disagreements of the Jurists

This work by Al-Qadi al-Nu'man, a key legal theorist of the Fatimid dynasty, explores Islamic legal theory, emphasizing Shi'i hermeneutics and addressing Sunni interpretive methods while preserving historical legal insights.

Disagreements of the Jurists is a significant work by Al-Qadi al-Nu'man, who served as the chief legal theorist for the North African Fatimid dynasty during the tenth century. This book provides a comprehensive examination of Islamic legal theory, focusing on a legal framework that supports the Fatimid claim to rightful authority over the Islamic community. It stands as a crucial text for understanding the complexities of Islamic jurisprudence and the ideological foundations of the Fatimid dynasty.

The translation of this work into English marks the first time that Al-Qadi al-Nu'man's major contributions to Islamic legal theory, particularly his insights on usul al-fiqh, have been made accessible to a wider audience. Disagreements of the Jurists is part of a broader effort to articulate the theoretical underpinnings of the official Fatimid legal school, presenting a Shi'i perspective on hermeneutics. The book begins by exploring the historical factors that led to varying interpretations of Islamic law in the early centuries and systematically addresses the interpretive approaches found within Sunni legal theory.

Through its detailed analysis, this work not only preserves critical passages from earlier legal texts that are no longer available but also sheds light on an essential phase in the evolution of Islamic legal thought. By engaging with the points of divergence among jurists, Al-Qadi al-Nu'man's text highlights the richness and diversity of Islamic law, making it a vital resource for scholars and students interested in the historical development of legal theories within the Islamic tradition.