Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence

by Mohammad Hashim Kamali, Trevor Smith, Helen Margetts

This third edition of the best-selling title Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence has been completely revised and substantially enlarged. In this work, Prof Kamali offers us the first detailed presentation available in English of the theory of Muslim law ( usul al-fiqh ). Often regarded as the most sophisticated of the traditional Islamic disciplines, Islamic Jurisprudence is concerned with the way in which the rituals and laws of religion are derived from the Qur'an and the Sunnah— the precedent of the Prophet. Written as a university textbook, Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence is distinguished by its clarity and readability; it is an essential reference work not only for students of Islamic law, but also for anyone with an interest in Muslim society or in issues of comparative Jurisprudence.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, Law, Theology, Politics, Academic

550 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1991

About the author

Mohammad Hashim Kamali, B. A., Law & Political Science, Kabul University, 1965

LLM., Comparative Law, University of London, 1972, Ph.D., University of London. 1976

Current Position: Founding Chairman & Cheif Excecutive Officer, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia.

Date and Place of Birth: 7 February 1944, Lalpur, Nangarhar, Afghanistan.

Nationality: Afghan and Canadian, Permanent Resident of Malaysia as of 3 April 2003

Marital Status: Married - have two children born in 1976 and 1979 respectively

Reviews

[Yaqeen Sikander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read for a beginner in Usul al Fiqh. This is one of the very early attempts in English and this book is taught as a text at IIU, Malaysia and elsewhere and is amazing written and the details provided are very comprehensive. A chapter discussing Maqasid al Shari'ah has been also added in the new edition at the end.

[Arbaaz Nobeebux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure cove. Loved it back in the days.

[Joseph Lumbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good outline of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence and their application is specific fields. Pretty much the standard for Islamic Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) in the English language. It explains most of the various methodological tools that are used in deriving law, often with examples too. Requires concentration, but accessible to those first seeking an introduction to the field with proper guidance.

[Ehab Shawky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. That's an excellent english read about 'Usool Al-Fiqh. Probably one of the best-written ones yet. Loved every piece of it. I recommend it for students of the Islamic sciences, especially beside Imran Khan's 'Usool Al-Fiqh as a helping simplified tool tackling the same subject. Scholars complete one another, this is made manifest in their writings. M. Kamali's book is beneficial in grasping a nearly full understanding of 'Usool Al-Fiqh without specializing in a certain school of thought. It would take the student all the way to getting a well-grounded knowledge of that branch of science. Khan's book is a made-easy simplified book that would put the student's feet on the right track.

[Y Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introductory read to the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. The author excludes major chapters from the science and suffices mainly on the sources of Islamic law.

[Da Iss · Rating 5 out of 5]

No better book to learn the basic principles of Islamic Fiqh and Shariah. Changed my perspective on Islam

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kamali did a good job with this one -- this is an invaluable introductory text for any non-speaker of Arabic looking to gain a thorough understanding of the basics of Islamic law. It's definitely an academic text, well-supported by legal proofs and arguments. Also gives a decent idea of the history of the evolution of the four schools of Sunni jurisprudence. If you want to know what "Shariah" really means, this is where to start.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough, but not always clear when he is arguing from a particular perspective vs. giving the range of perspectives in the Islamic world. I recommend reading in conjunction with other texts on the same subject.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and indispensable book in its field.

[Jamsheed Alam]

i wana to read this book plz allow me