Law and Tradition in Classical Islamic Thought

"An inspiring, innovative, and bold collection of first-rate studies on a wide array of topics in Islamic intellectual history, from Qur'an and Law, to tradition and history, to philosophy and ethics, and from medieval source analyses to contemporary reflections on Islam and human rights. This is an earnest work worthy of being a salute to Hossein Modarressi and his significant contributions to Islamic studies." - Wadad Kadi, The Avalon Foundation Distinguished Service Professor of Islamic Studies, the University of Chicago

"This volume represents an outstanding collection of closely argued and superbly documented papers on law, theology, and philosophy in medieval Islamic society. Rather than rehashing thrice-familiar debates, the authors focus on new or little-noticed problems. In so doing, they open up fresh perspectives on the complex intellectual world fashioned by Shi'ite, Sunni, Christian, and Jewish scholars. Altogether, a fitting tribute to the career of Prof. Modarressi." - R. Stephen Humphreys, Research Professor in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara

"Straddling generations of some of the most accomplished scholars, and venturing into some of the most interesting crooks and crannies of scholarship, this work is a fine and valuable contribution to Islamic Studies, certain to contribute handsomely to the field." - Sherman Jackson, King Faisal Chair in Islamic Thought and Culture and Professor of Religion and American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California

"A dazzling display of scholarship. This diverse and engaging set of studies will benefit anyone interested in the history of Islamic thought." - Marion Katz, associate professor, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, New York University

"A wonderful array of essays from an impressive list of contributors, including several promising young scholars as well as many well-established authorities, Law and Tradition in Classical Islamic Thought bears testimony to Professor Modarressi's dedicated teaching and collegiate generosity over many years and in different academic institutions. The very range of the topics, from source studies to legal and historical traditions, is a tribute to a scholar with a formidable understanding of history in its widest sense." - Mohsen Ashtiany, Center for Iranian Studies, Columbia University