Speaking in God's Name: Islamic Law, Authority and WomenThis challenging book reviews the ethical foundations of the Islamic legal system, suggesting that an authoritarian reading of scripture has often had grave consequences for parts of Muslim society. Drawing upon both religious and secular sources, Islamic legal expert Khaled Abou El Fadl argues that divinely ordained law is frequently misinterpreted by Muslim authorities at the expense of women and oth er groups. Citing a series of injustices in Islamic society, from the ban on women driving to the restrictions governing female clothing, El Fadl's thoughtful and cogent study proposes instead a return to the original ethics at the heart of the Muslim legal system. |
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Abū accepted according Aḥmad al-Din al-Fiqh Allah analysis argued assert assume assumptions authenticity authoritarian authoritativeness authority awrah become Beirut believe called cause claim classical command Companions considered contemporary context cover Dār determinations discourses discussed Divine early evidence example fact Fatāwā fitnah Furthermore God's ḥadīth Hanbali historical human Hurayrah husband Importantly indicators individual instance instructions intent interests interpretive interpretive community Islamic jurisprudence Islamic law issue jurists knowledge lead majority marriage matter meaning mentions moral Muḥammad Muslim nature normative noted obligation opinions particular person political position possible practice prayer Press Principal prohibited Prophet question Qur'an reader reason reference religion reports response result role rule scholars Sharḥ social society sources special agent specific thought tradition transmitted Umar understanding University values verse wife woman women