Sharia Incorporated: A Comparative Overview Of The Legal Systems Of Twelve Muslim Countries In Past And Present

Book Summary

Bringing sharia (Islamic law) into force: some hope for it, others fear it, but this fascinating study explains what is actually happening to this idea worldwide, thus providing a new, firm basis for meaningful debate. The author presents the outcomes of a broad comparative study of sharia and national law in twelve Muslim countries. The book starts with a lucid historical overview. The study compares the actual legal positions with a focus on constitutional law, family law and criminal law, and shows remarkable differences among the different countries. The author ackowledges that many efforts have been made in Muslim countries to harmonize different normative systems. He also explains how the often ambivalent relations between sharia and national law have been shaped, on the one hand, by national sharia politics and dilemmas of governance and, on the other hand, by local bylaws and practical solutions. Finally, the book considers the positive impact of human rights on rule of law formation, and offers suggestions for foreign policy.

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