LAW 253: Islamic Constitutional Law is an in-depth exploration of the principles and applications of Islamic jurisprudence within the framework of constitutional law. This course examines the historical development of constitutional concepts in Islamic states and their relevance to contemporary Muslim-majority countries. Students will gain an understanding of the Sharia-based sources that inform constitutional structures, including the Quran, Sunnah, Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogical reasoning).
The curriculum covers key themes such as the Islamic concept of governance, the role of the ruler and the ruled, the rights and duties of citizens, the separation of powers, and the judicial review in Islamic jurisprudence. Students will analyze contemporary constitutional documents from various Islamic countries, comparing how these nations integrate Islamic principles with modern state governance.
Through case studies, students will explore contentious issues such as the application of Hudud punishments, gender equality, minority rights, and the balance between religious norms and secular laws. The course also addresses the challenges and debates surrounding the implementation of Sharia in multi-religious and pluralistic societies.
Overall Objectives for this Course:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Outline the historical development of Islamic constitutional law.
- Identify the Sharia sources that underpin constitutional governance in Islamic jurisprudence.
- Analyze the Islamic principles of governance, including the rights and responsibilities of rulers and citizens.
- Compare constitutional structures and practices across Muslim-majority countries.
- Evaluate the integration of Islamic law with modern constitutional frameworks.
- Discuss contemporary debates on Sharia law, human rights, and secularism in constitutional contexts.
- Assess the role of Islamic law in addressing modern governance challenges.
- Reflect on the future of Islamic constitutional law in a globalized world.
