Ahmad Atif Ahmad, The Fatigue of the SharAa (Palgrave, 2012)
In the book, The Fatigue of the Shar\xc4\xab\u2019a\xa0(Palgrave, 2012), Ahmad Atif Ahmad explores a centuries-old debate about the permanence, or impermanence, of God\u2019s law, and guidance, in the lives of Muslims. Could God\u2019s guidance simply cease to be accessible at some point? Has such a \u201cfatigue\u201d already taken place? If so, how could one know for sure? What kinds of Muslims, and non-Muslims, have contributed to this debate? Ahmad ambitiously tackles these questions, and many more, in his meticulously researched and provocative monograph. In order to interrogate his topic, he surveys the many camps of the debate and also defines and problematizes key words such as shar\xc4\xab\u2019a, ijtih\xc4\x81d, and madhhab. Although the text relies on a familiarity with the Islamic legal tradition, Ahmad\u2019s style of writing, which constantly asks readers to reflect on key questions, allows even the uninitiated to benefit from and reflect on what it could mean for God\u2019s guidance to fatigue. As a result of recounting competing angles of the debate, Ahmad leaves with the reader with enduring questions, rather than simple answers, regarding how or if the shar\xc4\xab\u2019a will indeed come to an end. If the legal schools, for example, arose at different times and in different contexts, why would they all meet a common future? As political struggles in the Middle East, North Africa, and the greater Muslim world continue, Ahmad\u2019s timely book will likely interest not only Islamic studies scholars and legal historians, but also journalists, policy makers, and political scientists.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices\nSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law