On British Islam : religion, law, and everyday practice in shari'a councils

Resource Information

The work On British Islam : religion, law, and everyday practice in shari'a councils represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in European University Institute. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

On British Islam : religion, law, and everyday practice in shari'a councils

Title remainder

religion, law, and everyday practice in shari'a councils

Statement of responsibility

John R. Bowen

Creator

• Bowen, John R

Subject

• Islam and politics -- Great Britain
• Islamic law -- Great Britain
• Islamic sects -- Great Britain -- History -- 21st century
• Muslims -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- Great Britain
• Muslims -- Political activity -- Great Britain
• Religion and law -- Great Britain
• Islam -- Great Britain -- History -- 21st century

Language

eng

Summary

On British Islam examines the history and everyday workings of Islamic institutions in Britain, with a focus on shari✹a councils. These councils concern themselves with religious matters, especially divorce. They have a higher profile in Britain than in other Western nations. Why? Taking a historical and ethnographic look at British Islam, John Bowen examines how Muslims have created distinctive religious institutions in Britain and how shari✹a councils interpret and apply Islamic law in a secular British context. Bowen focuses on three specific shari✹a councils: the oldest and most developed, in London; a Midlands community led by a Sufi saint and barrister; and a Birmingham-based council in which women play a leading role. Bowen shows that each of these councils represents a prolonged, unique experiment in meeting Muslims' needs in a Western country. He also discusses how the councils have become a flash point in British public debates even as they adapt to the English legal environment. On British Islam highlights British Muslims' efforts to create institutions that make sense in both Islamic and British terms. This balancing act is rarely acknowledged in Britain or elsewhere but it is urgent that we understand it if we are to build new ways of living together.--

Member of

• Princeton studies in Muslim politics

Assigning source

Provided by Publisher

Cataloging source

DLC

Dewey number

297.140941

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Series statement

Princeton studies in Muslim politics