LA SHARI'A - Islamic Law, its scope and equity, by Saïd Ramadan

The subject of this important work is the methodology of Islamic law and its application, in practice, to problems of jurisdiction. The author, a pioneer of the worldwide revival of Islam and the main spokesman for the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood organization, has successfully endeavored to shed light on the vast and complex structure of legal thought. Islam, which profoundly influences, even today, the culture of the millions and millions of people who adhere to the message of Mohammad.

The lucid explanation it provides is extremely valuable, given that the Muslim peoples are today called upon to play an increasingly important role in the political destiny of the free world.

In a brilliant analysis of the sources, development and spirit of Islamic law, Dr. Saïd Ramadan offers the reader a comprehensive overview of a legal structure that is unique, both in its conception and in its impact on the historical evolution of a considerable part of humanity. He approaches his task with an impressive erudition, to which is added an enlightened objectivity which allows him to present his arguments in a way that is as convincing as it is clear.

The orientalist researcher will find in this abundant study material for fruitful reflection, while the layman will find there the means of correcting a large number of the errors commonly answered on Islam and its conceptions. In particular, Dr. Ramadan brings a formal denial to the old prejudice according to which Islam is intrinsically hostile to the non-Muslim world, and according to which its political program envisages the suppression of the non-Muslim minorities living within it. The notion of universal equity which is the basis of the Law of Islam is highlighted in a completely clear and convincing way in this work; since the author's positions are those of an organization that has often been accused, perhaps wrongly, of intransigence and "fanaticism", his penetrating analysis may well encourage Westerners to better understand the spirit that motivates efforts of those who work for a cultural renaissance of the Muslim world – and thus actively contribute to improving understanding between the West and the East.

Mohammad Assad