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.
