Conclusion: Rethinking the Islamic Legal Tradition

Abstract

Abstract This conclusion briefly summarizes the key findings from previous chapters. It argues that bringing together hermeneutic theory and practice theory is not only essential for understanding the Islamic legal tradition, but also for understanding other cultural, legal, and religious traditions. It begins by noting that cultural, legal, and religious traditions typically contain rules, and indicates that the book tries to elucidate how knowledge of such rules is transmitted over time. It then notes the problems that occur if either hermeneutic theory or practice is used as the sole approach, and the benefits that can be gained by using them together. Finally, this conclusion describes the attempts made in the book to discern broad patterns within the Islamic tradition, while also examining a local and historically specific manifestation of Islam in modern Egyptian religious education.