Book Review : Islamic Jurisprudence and Muslim Law by M. A. Awal

Bangladeshi Law Books
Verdict :  4.1 stars out of 5

Islamic Jurisprudence and Muslim Law 

M. A. Awal 

1st  Edition ( January, 2013)
Pages: 516
Actual Price: 250 (listed 650) 

Fig-1: Book cover

The Good 

This book takes a holistic approach to Islamic Jurisprudence. The Author nicely sighted all the book-authors' names whose writings was useful in developing this book, this is truly exemplary. Many of the discussions reflected authors deep knowledge in the subject matter. The book has covered just about all the topics that could come to ones mind when thinking about Islamic Laws. He has provided English-Terms along with Arabic/Farsi in many places which is useful-knowledge.  The Author made references to specific verses of Al-Quran where necessary, quoted prominent western jurists in many discussions.  The book is presented in four parts, the last part (#4) covers few questions & their answers, which is quite useful.  

Fig-4: the Guidebook Positioning 

The Bad

The author commented at the beginning of the book  "Islam:  a complete code of life", these are subjunctive comments which can not be backed-up with any tangible proof. So this book is full of "Islam Praising" which discourages the merit of questioning/active-thinking which is regrettable.  

  

Why is the street price only about 1/3 of the listed price !??! ( Fig-2) 

Fig-2: Price & ISBN with Payment Receipt 

The Ugly

The Book provides the syllabus for the bar-exam on page#6 (Fig-3) , however it does not cover Syllabus Item #14 anywhere in the book. I have examined few other books on the same topic by other authors, they cunningly just added the Acts & Laws without any discussion.  While I am please that Mr. Awal did no such thing but how are the participants of the Bar-Exam will prepare without section 14 ?

The book does not make reference to real-life cases, which is a major drawback!

   

Fig-3: Syllabus 

Last Word: 

 This is only the 1st Edition of the book. The author Mr. M.A. Awal is a Senior Assistant Secretary at  the Law, Justice and Parliament Ministry. I really liked his discussions in forming my opinions and looking forward to future editions/improvements of this book. Well-done Mr. Awal.