Islam, A Sacred Law

The aim of this book is to introduce the English reader to usul al-fiqh, the general principles of Islamic jurisprudence. Written in non-specialist, easily comprehensible language, it summarizes the philosophy of Islamic law underlying and common to the Islamic schools of jurisprudence.

Its objective is twofold: one is to show the modern Muslim that the underlying dynamics of most of the issues thought to be new and contemporary have in fact been discussed and addressed by Islamic thinkers and jurists from the earliest times in Islamic history. The second objective is to help modern Muslims bring this understanding to bear upon their real life problems and concerns, so they can follow and examine legal arguments presented for their worthiness, and separate what is essential and central to their faith from that which is nonessential and peripheral.

English-speaking Muslims are challenged today in dealing with real life issues. Concerns such as how to deal with modern systems of finance when making major purchases, medical ethics on issues from abortion to treating the terminally ill, and how to appropriately dress, are among the issues modern Muslims seek to examine in light of the teachings of Islam. Most current books on Islamic law are addressed to the scholar, not the lay reader. This book is written in non-specialist language. Its objective is to take non-specialist readers beyond the list of do’s and don’ts into a summary of the philosophy of Islamic law underlying them and all the traditional “schools” of law. By making these principles more transparent, modern Muslims can more lucidly implement them in their attempts to come to terms with proffered solutions to their challenges.

For the past sixteen years, Feisal Abdul Rauf has been the Imam of Al-Farah Mosque in New York City. He is the author of Islam: A Search for Meaning, in which he defines Islam as the universal religion that transcends the cultural settings of the Prophet Muhammad’s seventh century Arabia.

He is President of ASMA (American Sufi Muslim Association), an association dedicated to developing individuals seeking to travel on the spiritual path. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Center of New York and of the Interfaith Center of New York, lecturing regularly at Mosques, Synagogues, Churches and at the New York Seminary, an institute dedicated to training interfaith ministers. 

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Feisal Abdul-Rauf’s Islam: A Sacred Law is a truly welcome addition to the literature on this topic. It delves into the spirit of Shari`ah, points out the wisdom that underlies it, and illustrates with a good deal of sophistication and respect the historical diversity and living adaptability of the Islamic legal teachings. Readers will gain an appreciation for the richness of the Islamic tradition and, hopefully, will be encouraged to enter into a serious quest for true knowledge.

William Chittick, Author and Professor, State University of New York at Stony Brook.

The much needed book does a great service to the Muslim community and to others who are ready to discard stereotypes and understand the authentic intellectual traditions of Islam.

Professor Azizah Y. al-Hibri, Professor of Islamic Law, University of Richmond

The timing of this book could not be better. Just when American Muslims are seeking a fresh approach to sacred law, and just when so many non-Muslims lack any notion of Islam's intense concern with justice, along comes Feisal Abdul Rauf to clear up a matter for all of us. Anyone interested in the governing principles of a sophisticated legal system, one that supports the protection of life religion, wealth, offspring, sanity and reason should read this accessible and well written book.

Michael Wolfe, Author of The Hajj and One Thousand Road to Mecca, and award-winning producer for ABC Nightline.

As a Christian I found in this book new insights about my own and other religions. With a unique combination of penetrating intellect, common sense, and wit, Feisal Rauf applies traditional law to major contemporary questions and moral dilemmas. I urge all who struggle with personal responsibility and larger societal principles to read this book.

The Very Reverend James Parks Morton, President the Interfaith Center of New York, Dean Emeritus, The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine.

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