Jamila Hussain explains the basic principles of the religion of Islam and its law (the Shariah), and how the Shariah is lived in the context of many different cultures throughout the world. Now in its second edition, this book is ideal for those who wish to acquire an introductory knowledge of Islamic law and culture in general and within Australian society in particular.

The discussion includes:

• a brief history of Islamic history and civilisation,
• the development of Islamic law and how it is applied in modern conditions,
• the position of women in Islam and the growth of Islamic feminism,
• family law and inheritance,
• modern reproductive technology,
• criminal law and evidence,
• banking and commercial law, and
• the Australian Muslim community.

A new chapter examines Islamic laws of war and peace, and contemporary rulings on the conduct of Muslims in times of war.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Islamic law
CHAPTER 2: A brief survey of Islamic history
CHAPTER 3: Islamic jurisprudence
CHAPTER 4: Islamic laws on war and peace (PDF)
CHAPTER 5: Women in Islamic law
CHAPTER 6: Marriage in Islamic law
CHAPTER 7: Family life
CHAPTER 8: Divorce
CHAPTER 9: Inheritance, wills, and waqf
CHAPTER 10: Contraception, abortion, and new medical technology
CHAPTER 11: Islamic criminal law
CHAPTER 12: Evidence in Islamic law
CHAPTER 13: Islamic commercial law
CHAPTER 14: Islamic banking
CHAPTER 15: Islam and Muslims in Australia

Glossary of Arabic terms
Bibliography
Index

"The book covers a broad swathe of the legal rules and traditions which affect the Muslim community. The first three chapters, covering an introduction to Islamic law, history and jurisprudence, provide a useful foundation for readers unfamiliar with Islam. Thereafter, there are more detailed chapters dealing with Islamic laws on war and peace, the role of women, marriage and divorce, inheritance and wills...
One of the subtler points which runs throughout the book [is] that there is not one universal interpretation of Islamic law held by Muslims worldwide....
Generally, I found the book to be informative, fair and quite open in its treatment of sensitive questions, such as the right of Muslim men in traditional Islamic society to have up to four wives simultaneously, is clear and pointed. Such openness is laudable..."

-- Dr Benny Tabalujan, Law Institute (Vic) Journal, September 2004, 72