The Evolution of Islamic Law of Nations and the Modern International Order

Abstract

As traditionally understood, the Islamic State and the Shari’ah havebeen seen inimical to contemporary international law, membership inthe United Nations Organization, and the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. Hardline advocates of the Shari’ah argue that the institutionof nation-state and modem internationalism are hostile to theIslamic polity. The position taken here, however, argues quite the opposite.Through looking at the theory and practice of Islamic Law, it isclaimed that the Islamic Law of Nations is evolutionary in character.The participation of Muslim nations in the modem international orderis not antagonistic to the principles of Shari’ah. Islamic law can accommodatethe modern international order on the basis of cooperation andpeaceful coexistence.