Text and Interpretation: Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq and His Legacy in Islamic Law

Text and Interpretation explores the legal thought of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq, the foremost religious scholar jurist of Medina in the second century of the Muslim calendar, and how the Jaʿfarī school began.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Text and Interpretation delves into the profound insights and intricate legal theories of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq, the esteemed religious scholar and jurist of Medina during the early second century of the Muslim calendar. This comprehensive work offers a captivating intellectual journey, tracing the origins and evolution of the Jaʿfarī school of thought. It also explores the scholars' interpretive methodologies, shedding light on their analytical approaches and the depth of their understanding of Islamic law.

Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq, renowned for his exceptional intellect and profound knowledge of Islamic law, left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of his time. His legal thought, characterized by its meticulous scholarship, logical reasoning, and adherence to the principles of the Qurʾān and the Sunnah, has continued to inspire and influence legal scholars and practitioners across the world.

In Text and Interpretation, the author meticulously examines the main characteristics of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq's legal thought. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context in which the Jaʿfarī school emerged, exploring the political, social, and cultural factors that shaped its development. It also delves into the philosophical foundations of the school, examining the concepts of justice, equity, and the role of the Sharīʿah in shaping legal principles.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the scholars' interpretive approach to Islamic law. The author examines how the Jaʿfarī school interpreted the Qurʾān, the Sunnah, and other legal sources, and how they applied these interpretations to real-world legal cases. The scholars' attention to detail, their ability to analyze complex legal issues, and their commitment to upholding the principles of the Sharīʿah are highlighted throughout the book.

Another important aspect of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq's legal thought is his emphasis on the importance of ijmāʿ (consensus) in the formation of legal rulings. The author argues that ijmāʿ is not merely a means of reaching a decision but is a fundamental principle of Islamic law that ensures the stability and continuity of the legal system. The scholars' efforts to establish consensus and reach a just resolution to legal disputes are praised for their wisdom and fairness.

Furthermore, Text and Interpretation explores the scholars' contributions to various legal disciplines, such as fiqh (jurisprudence), usūl al-fiqh (principles of legal theory), and muftī (legal opinion). The author highlights the scholars' innovative approaches to legal reasoning, their ability to synthesize different legal theories, and their contributions to the development of Islamic law.

In conclusion, Text and Interpretation is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the legal thought of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the scholar's legal theories, interpretive methodologies, and contributions to Islamic law. It sheds light on the historical context in which the Jaʿfarī school emerged, the philosophical foundations of the school, and the scholars' emphasis on ijmāʿ, consensus, and justice. By examining the legal thought of Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq, this book offers valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Islamic legal scholarship and its enduring impact on the world of law.

Weight: 914g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674271890