Islamic Law and Culture, 1600-1840

In the final phase of its pre-modern period of existence, Islamic Law is based mainly on the fatwa collections of two prominent Arab jurists and one Turkish jurist from this period. The book re-examines the basic methodological structure of Islamic law (including its complex relations with the state) and poses the question as to whether Islamic law became increasingly closed and rigid. It was found that no such closure ever took place. Flexibility and openness remained vital, via terms such as istihsan, ijtihad and 'urf. Unheralded innovation was also common. The book will be of importance to those interested in Islamic law, as well as to those interested in Islamic thought in general and the relations between society and the state.