Oxford LibGuides: Islamic legal tradition: Legal History

History & development

SOLO searches will probably reveal that the Bodleian Nizami Ganjavi Library and/or the library of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies have useful books. Please use the links in the box to the right to find their opening hours etc.

Oxford International Encyclopedia of Legal History
Alternative name: OIELH

The Oxford International Encyclopedia of Legal History is the online version of the Oxford International Encyclopedia of Legal History (edited by S.N. Katz et al) published by OUP in 2009.

A History of Islamic Law by Noel Coulson
Call Number: Islamic C855a
ISBN: 0748605142
Publication Date: 1984
A classic English language introduction
A History of Islamic Legal Theories by Wael B. Hallaq
Call Number: BHFL Level -2 Gladstone Link - (UBHU) M98.E05324
ISBN: 0521590272
Publication Date: 1997
Islamic Jurisprudence in the Classical Era by Norman Calder; Colin Imber (Editor); Robert Gleave (Introduction by)
Call Number: Holders of an Oxford SSO can read this online via title link.
ISBN: 9780521110808
Publication Date: 2010
Print copy is held in Oriental Studies: Nizami Ganjavi Library KBP55 CAL 2010 Ref.
The Criterion for Distinguishing Legal Opinions from Judicial Rulings and the Administrative Acts of Judges and Rulers by Shihab al-Din Ahmad ibn Idris al-Qarafi al-Maliki; Mohammad H. Fadel (Translator); Andrew March (Series edited by)
Call Number: Holders of an Oxford SSO can read this online via title link.
ISBN: 9780300191158
Publication Date: 2017
English translation of a thirteenth-century text that shaped the development of Islamic law in the late middle ages.
The Rise of Critical Islam: 10th-13th Century Legal Debate by Youcef L. Soufi
Call Number: Holders of an Oxford SSO can read this via title link
ISBN: 9780197685006
Publication Date: 2023

Details of other Oxford libraries

Bodleian Nizami Ganjavi Library
The Bodleian Nizami Ganjavi Library (formerly the Bodleian Oriental Institute Library (OIL)) has collections which cover the geographical areas of West Asia, North Africa, the Caucasus, Central Asia, South Asia, Tibet and Korea, studying principally the languages, history, cultures and religions of these regions. Please visit the official website - via this link - for opening hours, services etc
Islamic Studies Library
Library of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
The Library is open to all holders of Bodleian cards, which can be obtained from the Bodleian Admissions Office and must be shown at Reception. Researchers from elsewhere will need a letter of recommendation from a Fellow of the Centre or from their institution. Readers who are planning to use the Library on a regular basis should apply to librarian@oxcis.ac.uk for a Kuwait Library Reader card which will give swipe access to the main Lodge gate and all Library facilities.