Module manager: Dr Mustapha Sheikh
Email: m.sheikh@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
ARAB2015 The Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module will introduce students to the idea of Islamic law as fundamentally a religious-legal discourse, focusing on origins, historical development and permutations across differing socio-political and geographical contexts. An exploration of the relationship between Islamic law as discourse and praxis and political power is an important aspect of this module, where students will learn about the power relations which have historically fashioned, co-opted and/or curtailed the development of Islamic law. Several case studies, including criminal law, commercial law, alcohol and sexuality, serve as pedagogical tools to elucidate the processes underpinning legal and jurisprudential formation. Finally, the contemporary dislocation of Islamic Law and the revivalist/reformist attempts at re-institutionalisation are examined. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The module seeks to introduce students to the Islamic law as primarily legal discourse and praxis, acquainting them with jurisprudence and legal theory, and exploring the subject through an interdisciplinary framework. Students will understand the significance of Islamic law in Muslim discourse; the power relations that have historically facilitated and/or curtailed the development of the law; the processes involved in formulating the law both in terms of ijtihad and fatwa; the story of Islamic law’s transition from being state law to largely symbolic in the contemporary world. This module will also provide an opportunity to contrast theory and practical application through case studies covering a range of interests, including sexuality, alcoholic beverages, Islamic finance and more.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Critically examine the dominant trajectories through which the Islamic law as legal discourse has developed;
2- Identify and evaluate the tools at the disposal of the interpreters of the law, including Islamic legal concepts and terminology;
3- Appraise the relationship between Islamic law, the State and the legal community;
4- Discuss Islamic reformism comparing it with earlier historical discourses and evaluating institutional transformations;
5- Appraise Islamic law as social construct by recourse to a range of historical case-studies.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
6- Identify, synthesise, and critically evaluate ideas and information from different specialised sources
7- Develop a well-structured argument that is based on evidence and informed by relevant scholarly debates
8- Communicate clearly and effectively ideas and information
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 169 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 31 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Student progress will be monitored using the following methods:
- Written assignments
- Seminar discussions/presentations
- Designated feedback sessions
- Student questionnaires
- Tutor office hours
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Coursework | Presentation | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The group presentation resits will be in delivered in the presence of module tutor alone on a mutually agreed date/time.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 24/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team