Learning of Islamic Law in Contemporary Universities: Case Study of Faculty of Sharīʻah & Law of International Islamic University Islamabad and Islamic Legal Studies Program of Harvard Law School

Abstract

Purpose: This research paper aims to study the standing of learning of Islamic Law in contemporary universities. The present study highlights the significance of Islamic Law learning to the legal practitioners (Bar) and legal academicians in general and to the judges (Bench) in particular. This paper endeavors to conduct a case study of learning of Islamic law in contemporary universities in Muslim and Non-Muslim jurisdictions.

Methodology: For the purpose of this research paper, two universities have been selected where departments of Islamic law learning are established, i.e., Faculty of Sharīʻah & Law of International Islamic University, Islamabad and Harvard Islamic Legal Studies Program of Harvard law School. This study explores that how far the above-mentioned institutions in various jurisdictions have been successful in imparting Islamic Law education among their law students. It follows discussion on the relevancy of Islamic law learning and its understanding in the solution of contemporary issues of the modern world.

Findings: This paper finds that Islamic law, being based on divine guidance, is the complete code of conduct and therefore, provides guidelines to discover and find out the solutions of all issues of modern world to Bar, academicians and Bench.