"The author traces the history of Islamic legal theory from its beginnings until the modern period. The analysis includes a comprehensive account of the early formation of the theory, focusing on its main themes and arguments and examining the synchronic and diachronic developments that gave rise to a rich variety of doctrines within that theory. The specific relationship between socio-religious reality and the production of legal theoretical discourse is also explored in some detail. The book concludes with a discussion of modern thinking about the theoretical foundations and methodology of Islamic law, presenting an outline of the difficulties encountered by modern reformers and some of the solutions they have offered to reformulate legal theory."--BOOK JACKET. "In organization, approach to the subject and critical apparatus, the book is the first of its kind, and will be an essential tool for the understanding of Islamic legal theory in particular, and Islamic law in general. This, in combination with an accessibility of language and style, will guarantee a readership among students and scholars and anyone interested in Islam and its evolution."--BOOK JACKET.