Islamic Law
Module code: LW3514
Whether concerning Islamophobia, debates about free speech limitations, women’ rights or counterterrorism policies, Islam and Islamic Law consistently remain at the forefront of global discourse.
Does Islamic Law primarily seek to limit rights, or does it share the same fundamental objective as Western legal systems - maintaining social order? Historical evidence suggests Islamic Law emerged as a systematic response to contemporaneous social, political, and economic issues as it emerged in a context marked by problems including but not limited to gender inequality, wartime atrocities, racial discrimination, and regional conflicts. This module provides a fresh perspective on Islamic Law.
Moreover, existing scholarship often examines Islamic Law through narrow disciplinary lenses. The Shamima Begum case exemplifies this limitation. This case is often analysed from feminist, migration, and international law perspectives. However, an interdisciplinary approach that integrates these viewpoints with Islamic law is presently absent. This module meets these needs while addressing the UK's practical legal landscape, where Shariah Councils and family courts regularly interface with Islamic legal principles.
Topics covered
- Islamic Legal Theory
- Islamic Criminal Law
- Islamic Constitutional Law and State
- Islamic Commercial Law
- Islamic Family Law