Sharīʿa in the Russian Empire: The Reach and Limits of Islamic Law in Central Eurasia, 1550-1917

This book explores the practice of Islamic law in Russia from the mid-1500s to the Russian Revolution of 1917, focusing on the training of Russian Muslim jurists, debates within Muslim communities, and the relationship between Islamic law and customary law. It uses difficult-to-access sources written in non-Russian languages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate tapestry of Islamic law in Russia, spanning a remarkable period from the mid-1500s to the Russian Revolution of 1917. It explores the profound impact of the Islamic presence on the empire, as the Muslim population soared to exceed 20 million. The central focus lies in examining the training of Russian Muslim jurists, the spirited debates that raged within Muslim communities regarding legal authority, and the intricate interplay between Islamic law and customary law.

To unravel the rich history of Islamic law in Russia, the book draws upon a wealth of difficult-to-access sources, written in a diverse array of non-Russian languages such as Arabic, Chaghatay, Kazakh, Persian, and Tatar. These invaluable resources provide scholars with a profound understanding of Islamic law in Russia, offering the same level of scholarly excellence and detail that is currently available on Islam in the British and French colonial empires.

The book is organized into a series of chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of Islamic law in Russia. The first chapter provides a historical backdrop, tracing the arrival of Islam in Russia and the gradual establishment of Muslim communities throughout the empire. It highlights the challenges faced by early Muslim settlers and the efforts made by the Russian government to accommodate and integrate the Islamic faith into the broader legal framework.

The second chapter delves into the training of Russian Muslim jurists. It explores the institutions and educational systems that were established to impart knowledge of Islamic law and the role played by these jurists in shaping the legal landscape of Russia. The chapter also sheds light on the debates and controversies that emerged within Muslim communities regarding the interpretation and application of Islamic law, highlighting the diverse perspectives and interpretations that existed.

The third chapter examines the relationship between Islamic law and customary law in Russia. It explores the ways in which Islamic law was integrated into the legal system, the challenges faced by Muslims in reconciling their religious beliefs with Russian legal norms, and the strategies employed by Muslim communities to assert their legal rights. The chapter also sheds light on the role of the Russian government in regulating and overseeing the practice of Islamic law.

The fourth chapter focuses on the impact of Islamic law on the lives of ordinary Muslims in Russia. It explores the social, cultural, and religious implications of Islamic law, including the role of women, family, and community in the Islamic legal framework. The chapter also examines the challenges faced by Muslims in maintaining their religious practices and traditions in the face of social and political pressures.

The fifth chapter examines the role of Islamic law in the Russian Empire's colonial expansion. It explores the ways in which Islamic law was applied in the territories that were conquered by the Russian Empire, including the legal systems that were established in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. The chapter also sheds light on the interactions between Russian and Islamic legal systems and the impact of these interactions on the development of colonial law.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Islamic law in Russia, providing a valuable contribution to the fields of Russian history, Islamic history, and colonial history. By drawing upon a wealth of diverse and difficult-to-access sources, the book offers scholars a deep and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between Islamic law and the Russian Empire. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Islamic law and its impact on the world.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474444309