This course, LAW 105: Islamic Legal Systems and Jurisprudence, offers a comprehensive exploration into the foundational structures and philosophical underpinnings of Islamic law. It delves into the intricate world of Sharia, covering its development, sources, principles, and the methodology of Islamic jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh). Through a historical journey from the emergence of Islamic law to its contemporary applications, students will gain insights into how Islamic legal systems operate within various Muslim-majority countries and how they coexist with modern legal frameworks. This course provides a critical examination of the major Islamic legal schools (Madhhabs), their methodologies, contributions, and the dynamics of legal interpretation and application in the modern world.
Overall Objectives for this Course:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Articulate the fundamental concepts, sources, and objectives (Maqasid) of Islamic Sharia.
- Differentiate between the major Islamic legal schools (Madhhabs) and understand their historical development and methodologies.
- Analyze the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) and their application in deriving legal rulings.
- Evaluate the role and impact of Ijtihad (independent reasoning) and Taqlid (following established legal opinions) in contemporary Islamic jurisprudence.
- Discuss the interface between Islamic legal systems and modern state laws, including issues of legal pluralism and reform.
- Critically assess contemporary debates within Islamic jurisprudence regarding gender, human rights, and financial transactions.
- Identify the challenges and opportunities facing Islamic legal systems in the context of globalization and international legal standards.
Curriculum
- 15 Sections
- 0 Lessons
- 14 Weeks
- ReadingA highly recommended book is “Shari’a: Theory, Practice, Transformations” by Wael B. Hallaq. This book offers a comprehensive examination of Islamic legal theory and its application throughout history, providing an in-depth look at the evolution of Islamic law, its scholars, and its implementation in various societies. It’s a valuable resource for understanding both the foundational principles and the contemporary issues within Islamic jurisprudence, making it an excellent addition to the course reading list.0
- Week 1: Introduction to Islamic Legal Systems and Sharia0
- Week 2: Historical Evolution of Islamic Law and the Formation of Legal Schools0
- Week 3: Primary Sources of Islamic Law: Quran and Sunnah0
- Week 4: Secondary Sources: Ijma (Consensus) and Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning)0
- Week 5: Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh)0
- Week 6: The Objectives of Sharia (Maqasid al-Sharia) and Human Welfare0
- Week 7: Major Islamic Legal Schools (Madhhabs): Founders and Methodologies0
- Week 8: Ijtihad and Taqlid: Balancing Tradition and Change0
- Week 9: Islamic Law in Contemporary Muslim-majority Societies0
- Week 10: Islamic Law and the State: Integration, Coexistence, and Conflict0
- Week 11: Contemporary Debates in Islamic Jurisprudence0
- Week 12: Islamic Law and International Human Rights0
- Week 13: Case Studies: Application of Islamic Legal Principles0
- Week 14: The Future of Islamic Legal Systems: Reform and Innovation0
