The Beginnings of Islamic Law is a major and innovative contribution to our understanding of the historical unfolding of Islamic law. Scrutinizing its historical contexts; the book proposes that Islamic law is a continuous intermingling of innovation and tradition. Salaymeh challenges the embedded assumptions in conventional Islamic legal historiography by developing a critical approach to the study of both Islamic and Jewish legal history. Through case studies of the treatment of war prisoners; circumcision; and wife-initiated divorce; she examines how Muslim jurists incorporated and transformed 'Near Eastern' legal traditions. She also demonstrates how socio-political and historical situations shaped the everyday practice of law; legal education; and the organization of the legal profession in the late antique and medieval eras. Aimed at scholars and students interested in Islamic history; Islamic law; and the relationship between Jewish and Islamic legal traditions; this book's interdisciplinary approach provides accessible explanations and translations of complex materials and ideas.
#131337 in Books Johnson Ian 2017-04-11 2017-04-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.52 x 1.58 x 6.38l; 1.53 #File Name: 1101870052480 pagesThe Souls of China The Return of Religion After Mao
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A very important book; a China classic that is key to understanding this superpower todayBy Jean ShenA masterpiece of reportage by one of the best reporters of China today.Ian Johnson tackles the issue at the heart of present-day Chinese society: its lost moral compass. This is; at base; a defining characteristic of Chinese society which is still dealing with the long legacy of the Cultural Revolution and decades of this political culture. Ostensibly about religion; this book goes much deeper -- really into what makes China tick.The China he describes with great detail; unique empathy derived from his speaking Chinese; his cultural affinity; and real immersion in the laobaixing / regular Chinese people's lives; is one locals will recognise and acknowledge is accurate. He goes deep into documenting how different groups of Chinese now are searching for a pathway out of this moral malaise; offering a heartening portrait of how China might change in time to come. This search for values will define the next chapter of life in and the behaviour of this super power. Johnson is a solid and warm; empathetic guide who takes us to meet the characters he got to know over years of reporting in pockets of China that even many of us who live here might not have encountered.Reading this book is key to really understanding China -- its society; political life; foreign policy behaviour. It really does offer a window into this complex country's soul.The depth of his reporting; the lyricism in his writing are unparalleled among China-based English language writers today. Very few really have invested as much time -- and emotion -- in understanding China from the very grassroots.I can't recommend this important book highly enough. I think it will prove to be a classic in China reporting; as was Johnson's previous book Wild Grass. The book and its writing feel understated in many ways; but it really is very valuable in making sense of what China is and where it's going.It will also be of broader interest to non-China watchers -- for those interested in religion; sociology; politics -- for it is a portrait of a society grasping with massive transformation; being lost and trying to find new ways forward.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great and valuable book on an important subject.By Michael L. FriedmannCompelling; important book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The search for meaning and identityBy Gail PellettEssential to understanding the space that many Chinese are seeking to find identity; meaning; truth and morality.
