LAW 231: Family Law in Islam offers an in-depth exploration of the Islamic legal framework governing family relations, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance. This course aims to illuminate the foundational principles derived from the Quran, Hadith, and jurisprudential interpretations that guide family matters within an Islamic context. Students will delve into the intricate balance Islam maintains between individual rights and social responsibilities, highlighting the emphasis on compassion, equity, and justice in familial bonds.
The course will critically examine the evolution of Islamic family law across different cultures and epochs, addressing contemporary challenges and debates such as gender equality, marital rights, and the impact of modern legal systems on traditional Islamic jurisprudence. Through a combination of classical texts and modern case studies, students will assess how Muslim-majority countries reconcile religious doctrine with the demands of contemporary society, exploring reform efforts and the role of Ijtihad (independent reasoning) in evolving legal interpretations.
Overall Objectives for this Course:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the Quranic and Hadith foundations of Islamic family law.
- Analyze the legal rights and obligations of family members in Islam, including spouses, children, and relatives.
- Discuss the jurisprudential mechanisms of marriage contracts, divorce procedures, and inheritance laws.
- Evaluate the impact of cultural practices on the implementation of Islamic family law across different societies.
- Critically examine contemporary challenges to traditional interpretations of Islamic family law, including issues of gender equality and human rights.
- Explore the interface between Islamic family law and international legal standards.
- Investigate reform initiatives and the application of Ijtihad in modernizing family law within Islamic jurisprudence.
- Formulate informed perspectives on the future of family law in Islam, considering both traditional values and modern societal needs.
Curriculum
- 15 Sections
- 0 Lessons
- 14 Weeks
- Reading ProjectA highly recommended book is “Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Islamic jurisprudence, including detailed discussions on family law within the Islamic tradition. Kamali’s work is recognized for its clarity, depth, and ability to bridge traditional Islamic legal theories with contemporary applications, making it an ideal resource for students seeking to understand the foundational principles and modern interpretations of Islamic family law.0
- Week 1: The Theological Underpinnings of Islamic Family Law0
- Week 2: Marriage in Islam: Legal Framework and Social Significance0
- Week 3: Rights and Duties of Spouses: A Balancing Act0
- Week 4: Divorce in Islamic Law: Procedures, Rights, and Social Welfare0
- Week 5: Child Custody and Guardianship: Best Interests in Islamic Jurisprudence0
- Week 6: Inheritance Laws in Islam: Principles of Justice and Equity0
- Week 7: Gender Equality and Women\’s Rights in Islamic Family Law0
- Week 8: Modern Challenges: Polygamy, Domestic Violence, and Legal Reform0
- Week 9: Family Law in Action: Case Studies from Muslim-majority Countries0
- Week 10: The Role of Courts and Legal Institutions in Enforcing Family Law0
- Week 11: Interfaith Marriages and Conversion: Legal and Social Considerations0
- Week 12: The Impact of Globalization and Migration on Islamic Family Law0
- Week 13: Reform and Renewal in Islamic Family Law: Contemporary Movements0
- Week 14: Reflections and Forward Look: The Future of Family Law in Islam0
