This paper shows that, contrary to the popular view, appellate review is very much part and parcel of Islamic law. There is ample evidence that judges’ decisions can and should be reviewed, especially in cases where a miscarriage of justice would take place otherwise....Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

This essay begins with a review of the definition and varieties of istihsan and then looks into the question whether istihsan can be said to be tantamount to particularisation of the effective cause (takhsis al ‘illa). This is followed by a brief comparison of istihsan with the doctrine of equity in western jurisprudence, the historical roots of istihsan and its reception or otherwise by the leading madhahib, and then a brief account of the critique of istihsan by Imam Shafi‘i and others. The discussion proceeds with a review of the methodology of istihsan and advances, in its final section, a perspective as to how istihsan can be utilised as an instrument of consolidation between the conventional methodology of usul al fiqh and the substantive themes of the maqasid al shari‘ia....Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

The Islamic system of rule is compatible with a plural and democratic form of government. Islam subscribes to government under the rule of law, administration of justice, observance of people’s welfare interests, and a fair distribution of wealth and opportunities among citizens, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It places a high premium on consultation, civil liberties, equality before the law, and human rights, inclusive of the rights of minorities to worship and live according to the requirements of their respective faiths.... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

The International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, to be launched tomorrow, seeks to promote better understanding of Islam Hadhari and its vision for development and progress. Its chairman and chief executive officer, Dr Mohammad Hashim Kamali, tells YONG HUEY JIUN how the broader civilisational principles of Islam offer a way forward.... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

Significant limits on the arbitrary exercise of political power exist in the Islamic system of governance, supplied mostly by the Shari'ah. A degree of discretionary power is exercised under the doctrine of Shari'ah oriented policy. The Islamic system of governance advocates limited sovereignty and values the rule of law, human rights and civil liberties, justice, respect for religious diversity, accountability, and the promotion of public interest. These values are specific manifestations of the general objectives of Islamic law, such as the Islamic concept of trust as the basis of government, the pursuit of the public interest, and public education.... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

This paper explains the doctrine of the objectives of the shari'ah, inclusive of its origins, classification and identification of the objectives, the historical development of the doctrine, different approaches utilised in its application, and its relevance to Ijtihad .... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

The debate over the compatibility of Islam and science still continues to invoke responses from basically two opposite camps: those who reject outright the prospect and feasibility of a compromise between religion and science, and those who see a compromise not only reasonable but necessary if an equilibrium of values were to be kept into perspective. While identifying the basic points of tension between these two positions, this essay attempts to provide a survey and analysis of basic Qur'anic evidence on relevant issues. An attempt is also made to present a round up of modern opinion in Muslim scholarly circles on the various aspects of the debate. The basic hypothesis maintained here is the Qur'anic epistemology is inclusive not only of traditional knowledge but also of scientific knowledge.... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

‘Allah’ is the Arabic equivalent of ‘God’. And the two words have been used synonymously by all people throughout the history of religion, but there are distinct conditions on its use. Of the 99 beautiful names of God (al-asma' al-husna), three, namely "Allah", "al-Rahman" and "al-Rahim", are most favoured. This is known by all 114 suras of the Quran, except for one, beginning with the typical Islamic phrase, the tasmiyah: Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim ("In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful"), a phrase that includes all the three chosen names of God .... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

This article proposes a substantive revision of the established meaning of hudud, utilising a scriptural as opposed to a juristic approach. The article notes that hudud in the Qur’an signifies limits on behaviour set by God Most High, rather than punishments. This latter meaning is of a later, juristic origin. Hadd is an offence for which punishment is specified in the Qur’an or in authentic Hadith. The Qur’an specifies four such offences: adultery, theft, slanderous accusation and highway robbery. Some jurists later added wine drinking and apostasy, while still others added mutiny or rebellion against ruling authority. Professor Kamali argues that repentance and forgiveness should be incorporated into the revised understanding of hudud, as the Qur’an places a strong emphasis on compassion and leniency, something that has not been reflected in the fiqh tradition.... Download the full article in pdf attachment (below)

The Halal industry is still in its early stages of development, and efforts to chart the way forward in compliance with Islamic principles are desirable and necessary. As with Islamic banking in the early years, this industry has also been largely driven by markets demands and realities. It would advisable to enrich the achievements of the Halal industry with research efforts that advance a better understanding of Islamic principles and the scientific knowledge relevant to our concerns. This article begins with a review of evidence in the Qur'an and Hadith on the Halal and mubah, and then proceeds to address the Haram.... Download the full article in pdf attachments part 1, 2 and 3 (below)