Profiling the Islamic Civilization: A History Of The Legislative, Judicial, & Executive Branches [Paperback]

A E Souaiaia (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2001

While Teaching a course on Human Rights Laws and Islam, some of my students approached me asking for some short read on Islamic law and Islamic civilization. Considering the topic of the course, it was hard finding a book that is small yet relevant to the issues discussed in class. Then I found this manuscript sitting on the shelf for years. I offered it to couple students who read it and recommended that I make available in some form, as they have learned from it quite a lot in spite of the highly technical orientation of the materials contained therein. I spent few days reviewing it only to discover that Professor Khallaf did indeed offer quite an original analysis and perspective on a number of issues that are relevant today. I then decided to put this document in the public domain, hoping that students and scholars alike find it of use.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ahmed E. Souaiaia, author of About Law, Government, and Man in Recent and Ancient Legal Tradition; currently teaches at the University of Washington. He resides in Seattle washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (October 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595201970
• ISBN-13: 978-0595201976
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,114,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

AHMED E. SOUAIAIA (sway-IYA; listen to pronunciation audio clips MP3 format or Real Audio format at http://souaiaia.com) teaches a variety of courses in Religious Studies, College of Law, and International Programs at the University of Iowa. His courses cover numerous subjects including, Human Rights, Comparative Islamic Law, Religion and Politics, Islamic Political Theory, Women in Islamic Society, and Modern Islamic Thought. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington (Seattle) where he had also taught for four years. He is the author of a number of books, journal articles, and essays--including Contesting Justice: Women, Islam, Law, and Society, SUNY Press, 2008; She's Upright: Sexuality and Obscenity in Islam, Brill Academic Publishers: Hawwa, Volume 5, Numbers 2-3, 2007; and Politics of Appearances: Religion, Law, and the Press in Morocco, Muslim World Journal of Human Rights: vol. 4: no. 2, 2007. For contact information, publications, and courses, please visit http://souaiaia.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Egyptian Authors and Reform, July 18, 2002

By 

Souhail Charfi (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Profiling the Islamic Civilization: A History Of The Legislative, Judicial, & Executive Branches (Paperback)

This translation is very informative. Like many other books written by Egyptian authors, Kallaf's take on Islamic legal theory is very reformist in nature. However, the principles described by the author as being essential elements of Islamic lega theory remain "theoritical".

The book is actually a translation of speeches made by the late professor of Islamic law. Being such, it is very ingaging and lively. The english translation did not change that aspect of the work, therefore the reader will feel compelled to finish the work once he or she starts it, and that is not a big task: the book is less than 130 pages that can be read in one sitting!

Familiarity with Arabic terms might help but it is not necessary to follow through.

Great read!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very technical, but very informative, November 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Profiling the Islamic Civilization: A History Of The Legislative, Judicial, & Executive Branches (Paperback)

The translated lectures are very informative. It is a great read for those interested in Islamic law, islamic government, and islamic civilization in general. The chosen title is well suited for the content.

The only criticism i have for this work is the use of the Arabic technical word, it could be a stopper for the flow of reading, but i must admit that once I finished the book, those words were already part of my vocabulary.

The content reflects a traditional yet learnt presentation of how Muslims see the evolution of their legal and governmental systems throughout history, with some mild criticism to those traditionalists who oppose any innovation. I recommend it for any serious reader intersted in Islam in general.