The bulk of this valuable book on the dynamic history of the interpretative communities known as madhāhib is by modern scholars who explore the origins and unique natures of the better known madhāhib, as well as their interrelationships and their relationship with political rulers.
   --Robert Dickson Crane, Muslim World Book Review

Those who follow contemporary scholarship in Islamic history and law will immediately recognize the debates to which these articles are contributing--often in important ways. As a series of thought-provoking, if sometimes abstruse, articles on the subject of the madhhab, it is hard to fault this book. The essays speak to issues of great concern to contemporary Islamicists. They are substantive and meticulously edited. The index and bibliography are excellent. The authors have included a very helpful glossary that will be appreciated by non-Arabic speakers.
   --Clark Lombardi, Journal of Law and Religion

Peri Bearman is Associate Director, Islamic Legal Studies Program at Harvard Law School.

Rudolph Peters is Professor in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Amsterdam.

Frank E. Vogel is The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Adjunct Professor of Islamic Legal Studies Program at Harvard Law School.

Read More by Frank E. Vogel:

• The Islamic Marriage Contract: Case Studies in Islamic Family Law