Law 205: Contemporary Issues in Islamic Law critically examines the intersection of Islamic jurisprudence with modern-day legal and social challenges. This course navigates through the evolving landscape of Islamic law as it confronts contemporary issues such as human rights, gender equality, bioethics, environmental sustainability, and the impact of technology. By dissecting case studies and engaging with current debates, students will explore how Islamic legal principles are applied and adapted to address the needs and complexities of the 21st-century Muslim world. This exploration aims to demystify the adaptability and dynamism of Islamic law in fostering justice, equity, and moral integrity within the framework of modern societal norms and global ethics.
Overall Objectives for this Course:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Analyze the application of Islamic law in addressing contemporary legal and ethical dilemmas.
- Understand the methodologies used by contemporary Islamic scholars (fuqaha) to navigate modern challenges.
- Evaluate the role of Islamic law within the context of international human rights discourse.
- Explore the intersection of gender, law, and society within Islamic jurisprudence.
- Investigate Islamic legal responses to bioethical issues, including medical advancements and environmental crises.
- Assess the impact of technology and digitalization on Islamic legal principles and practices.
- Critique and debate contemporary issues in Islamic law from multiple jurisprudential perspectives.
- Synthesize traditional Islamic legal principles with modern-day applications to propose solutions to current challenges.
