Roman, Provincial and Islamic Law
The Origins of the Islamic Patronate

This book tests the hypothesis that Roman law was a formative influence on Islamic law.

Patricia Crone (Author)

9780521529495, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 July 2002

188 pages
22.9 x 15.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.312 kg

This book examines the cultural origins of Islamic law. Some authorities stress the importance of the contribution of Roman law; others that of Arabian law. Most are agreed that Jewish law contributed, but not explained further. Dr Crone tests the Roman hypothesis with reference to one institution, the patronate, which does indeed appear to owe something to Roman law. He concludes that Roman law contributed only in so far as it was part and parcel of the rather different legal practice of the Near Eastern provinces, and that provincial law would repay further consideration by legal historians.

Preface
1. The state of the field
2. A practical guide to the study of Islamic law
3. The Islamic patronate
4. The case against Arabia
5. The case against the non-Roman Near East: paramone
6. The case for the Roman Near East
7. Conclusion
Appendices
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: Comparative law [LAM]