This study analyses the major intellectual positions in the philosophical debate on Islamic law that is occurring in contemporary Iran. As the characteristic features of traditional epistemic considerations have a direct bearing on the modern development of Islamic legal thought, the contemporary positions are initially set against the established normative repertory of Islamic tradition. It is within this broad examination of a living legacy of interpretation that the context for the concretizations of traditional as well as modern Islamic learning, are enclosed.

This study covers the topic of revitalizing inner city neighbourhoods, which has been an elusive goal for city planners and policy makers for decades. Despite a variety of approaches and policy strategies, many inner city neighbourhoods around the country remain poor, neglected and disinvested. The question then remains, what can be done to improve these neighbourhoods? Bright's book covers both successful and unsuccessful efforts at revitalizing low-income neighbourhoods and features case studies on a wide range of American cities. Drawing on field research and interviews conducted in cities such as Boston, Seattle and Pittsburgh, Bright shows how factors such as communicating among residents, proper shelter and a feeling of safety can help save even the most devastated urban neighbourhoods.

This study analyses the major intellectual positions in the philosophical debate on Islamic law that is occurring in contemporary Iran. As the characteristic features of traditional epistemic considerations have a direct bearing on the modern development of Islamic legal thought, the contemporary positions are initially set against the established normative repertory of Islamic tradition. It is within this broad examination of a living legacy of interpretation that the context for the concretizations of traditional as well as modern Islamic learning, are enclosed.

The book, based on references from the Qur'an and Hadith, explains the theory and interpretation of Islamic law. Combining ethics, epistemology and moral philosophy, it sets a tempo for a healthy dialogue between tradition and modernity.

This book introduces readers to the legal epistemology that is advocated within Twelver Shiʿite uṣūl al-fiqh (legal theory). It critically surveys the epistemological underpinnings upheld by post-19th century Uṣūlī clerics that impel them to mainly deduce and interpret Sharia using scripture and literalist hermeneutical methods. An evaluation of these underpinnings uncovers the important juxtaposition that exists between the seminarian discourses of uṣūl al-fiqh and philosophy. The book hypothesises that uṣūl al-fiqh has both space and historical precedence to accept alternative epistemological theories that may enable orthodox Shiʿite clerics to display greater dynamism in deducing and interpreting Sharia.

This book presents an intellectual history of today’s Muslim world, surveying contemporary Muslim thinking in its various manifestations, addressing a variety of themes that impact on the lives of present-day Muslims. Focusing on the period from roughly the late 1960s to the first decade of the twenty-first century, the book is global in its approach and offers an overview of different strands of thought and trends in the development of new ideas, distinguishing between traditional, reactionary, and progressive approaches. It presents a variety of themes and issues including: The continuing relevance of the legacy of traditional Islamic learning as well as the use of reason; the centrality of the Qur’an; the spiritual concerns of contemporary Muslims; political thought regarding secularity, statehood, and governance; legal and ethical debates; related current issues like human rights, gender equality, and religious plurality; as well as globalization, ecology and the environment, bioethics, and life sciences. An alternative account of Islam and the Muslim world today, counterbalancing narratives that emphasise politics and confrontations with the West, this book is an essential resource for students and scholars of Islam.

Literally, the term Maq¿sid al-Shari'ah has been translated as objectives of Islamic law by many Islamic scholars and yet, this term has been technically and theoretically used as a new legal doctrine in Islamic legal studies. This term has been used in a wider meaning with new implications. It has been named as a general philosophy of Islamic law and has evolved as an independent Islamic branch of legal science in Islamic legal studies.