Research Handbook on Islamic Law and Society

Edited by Nadirsyah Hosen, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Monash University, Australia

The Research Handbook on Islamic Law and Society provides an examination of the role of Islamic law as it applies in Muslim and non-Muslim societies through legislation, fatwa, court cases, sermons, media, or scholarly debate. It illuminates the intersection of social, political, economic and cultural factors that inform Islamic Law across a number of jurisdictions. Chapters evaluate when and how actors and institutions have turned to Islamic law to address problems faced by societies in Muslim and, in some cases, Western states.

‘Nadirsyah Hosen’s edited volume aims to demonstrate different practices of Islamic law in various contexts in the contemporary world. Hosen effectively demonstrates the inherent multiplicity of Islamic law through differences it adopted in Muslim countries across the world. Through his variety of examples, he seamlessly establishes that the social, political, and cultural elements account for the variations of Islamic law in the Muslim world.’
– Muhammad Zubair Abbasi, Islamic Studies

‘What is Islamic law and how does it work? This Research Handbook of 18 case studies drawn from across the contemporary Muslim world promises not only to help contextualise Sharia as a versatile rather than an unchanging framework of laws pertaining to the 7th century, but also importantly to demystify it.’
– Howard Brasted, UNE Asia-Pacific Centre and University of New England, Australia

‘This Research Handbook on Islamic Law and Society is a brilliant contribution to understanding Islamic law in practice. With a galaxy of excellent contributors, the Research Handbook intelligently explores the role of Islamic law textually and contextually, focusing on contemporary issues ranging from medical ethics to apostasy laws. A must read for all.’
– Mohamad Abdalla, Centre for Islamic Thought and Education, University of South Australia