On Schacht’s Origins of Muhammadan Jurisprudence

The Origins of Islamic Jurisprudence: A Critical Analysis of Schacht's Theories" by Dr. Muhammad Mustafa al-Azami** In this groundbreaking work, renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Muhammad Mustafa al-Azami delivers a rigorous examination of Joseph Schacht’s influential Origins of Muhammadan Jurisprudence. Challenging Schacht’s controversial claims about the relationship between Islamic law and the Qur’an, al-A`zami meticulously dissects the historical sources and methodological frameworks underpinning Schacht’s thesis. Through painstaking analysis of classical hadith literature, he reveals significant gaps and inconsistencies in Schacht’s arguments, demonstrating how many of his conclusions diverge sharply from the textual evidence itself.

This seminal study marks a milestone in Islamic legal scholarship, offering the first comprehensive Islamic critique of Orientalist perspectives on jurisprudence. Drawing on years of dedicated research into Hadith literature, Dr. al-A`zami systematically evaluates Schacht’s claims, cross-examining them against authentic traditions to present a compelling counter-narrative rooted in Islamic intellectual tradition.

Praise for the Work
“A masterful rebuttal to Schacht’s theories, Dr. al-A`zami reaffirms his stature as a preeminent authority on Hadith studies, combining meticulous scholarship with profound mastery of Islamic tradition.”
- Journal of Near Eastern Studies

“An indispensable resource for scholars and students alike, this book belongs not only in academic libraries but also on the shelves of anyone deeply invested in understanding Islamic law.”
- Muslim World Book Review

Why This Book Matters

• Deep Scholarly Engagement: Bridges classical Islamic scholarship with modern critical analysis.
• Methodological Clarity: Exposes flaws in Orientalist approaches while elevating rigorous, text-based inquiry.
• Timely Relevance: A vital reference for contemporary debates on Islamic legal history and authenticity.

Ideal for researchers, students of Islamic law, and readers seeking an authoritative Islamic perspective on the evolution of jurisprudence, this work reshapes the discourse on early Islamic legal thought.