Speaking In God's Name (Islamic Law, Authority And Women)

Book Summary

This challenging book reviews the ethical foundations of the Islamic legal system, suggesting that an authoritarian reading of scripture has often had grave consequences for parts of Muslim society. Drawing upon both religious and secular sources, Islamic legal expert Khaled Abou EI Fadl argues that divinely ordained law is frequently misinterpreted by Muslim authorities at the expense of certain groups, especially women. Citing a series of injustices in Islamic society, from the ban on women driving to the restrictions governing female clothing, Abou EI Fadl's thoughtful and cogent study proposes instead a return to the original ethics at the heart of the Muslim legal system. Combining the very latest scholarship with an accessible writing style and a useful glossary, this provocative and passionate book is required reading for all those interested in the contemporary landscape of Islam, law and women's rights. About Author: Khaled Abou EI Fadl studied Islamic Law in Egypt and Kuwait, and has degrees from Pennsylvania, Yale and Princeton Th~ Omar and Azm~ralda Alfi Distinguished Fellow in" Isiamk [c3W at OCLA hi California, he has served on a variety of committees for Human Rights, has arbitrated in property settlements for Muslim divorces, and has published several books and numerous articles.

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