Islamic Law and Society Post-9/11

After the events of September 11, 2001, scholars rushed to contribute to the growing public debate about religion and political violence, including to counter stereotypic depictions of Islamic law and to raise questions about its role in the social and political life of Muslim and non-Muslim nations. The same period also witnessed the publication of much scholarship on Muslim personal or family law. This review focuses on these works and highlights their sophisticated theoretical treatments of social theory in critical areas, such as the interaction of normative orders, constructions and intersections of identity, human agency in the legal process, law reform and social movements, state uses of law, and the challenges facing globalizing societies. These theories provide grounding for scholars, activists, and policymakers in addressing the pressing issues emerging after 9/11.