Islamic Law : A Very Short Introduction

Islamic Law: A Very Short Introduction examines the evolution, nature, and theory of Islamic law, incorporating both classical and modern scholarly perspectives. Islamic law is one of the world’s major legal systems, yet it is often misunderstood, particularly in the West. It is applicable in different forms as part of state law in countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and has a strong influence on Muslim communities throughout the Western world. This VSI traces the history of Islamic jurisprudence. It covers its scope—including family law, inheritance law, financial law, penal law, and international law—and its practice, providing an overview of this key legal system.