Human Rights in the Muslim World: Fundamentalism, Constitutionalism and International Politics

Abstract

Khan, a scholar specializing in Islamic law, endorses a moderate interpretation of the Qur'an and opposes what some label as “radical” or “political” Islam. He also believes that legal doctrines dating back to the time of Mohammed have been altered by governments and colonialism so that what now exists in practice is really “Muslim law” rather than true “Islamic law.” He calls extremists “Muslim fundamentalists.” This study is strong on historical, religious, and philosophical analysis, and the author's discussion of the “Medina Charter” of 622 is quite illuminating.