This course is an introduction to the history and practice of Islamic law. Its primary focus is on the distinctive methodologies of the major schools of Islamic law, because many of the crucial differences between the schools rested in such differences. The first part of the course examines the sources of Islamic law, the formation of Islamic jurisprudence, and the history of Islamic law in society. The second part surveys the current state of Islamic legal studies in the Islamic world as well as the study of Islamic law in the West, concluding with a discussion of their implications for various contemporary social and political issues.

Course Requirements:

Midterm	30%
Final	40%
Paper	30%

Required Reading:

• Abu Zahra, Muhammad. The Four Imams, translated by Aisha Bewley. London: Dar al-Taqwa, 2001.
• Kamali, Mohammad Hashim. Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence. Cambridge: Islamic Texts Society, 2005.
• Weiss, Bernard. The Spirit of Islamic Law. Athens and London: The University of Georgia Press, 1998.
• Reading packet

Course Outline: TBA