Islamic State Practices, International Law and the Threat from Terrorism : A Critique of the ‘Clash of Civilisations’ in the New World Order

Abstract

In the post ‘9/11’ legal and political environment, Islam and Muslims have been associated with terrorism. Islamic civilization has increasingly been characterized as backward, insular, stagnant and unable to deal with the demands of the twenty first century and differences and schisms between Islam and the west are being perceived as monumental and insurmountable. ‘9/11’ terrorist attacks have unfortunately provided vital ammunition to the critics of Islam and those who champion a ‘clash of civilizations’. In this original and incisive study, the author investigates the relationship between Islamic law, States practices and International terrorism. It presents a detailed analysis of the sources of Islamic law and reviews the concepts of Jihad, religious freedom and minority rights within Sharia and Siyar. In eradicating existing misconceptions, the book provides a thorough commentary of the contributions made by Islamic States in the development of international law, including norms on the prohibition of terrorism.