Book Review: The Economic Relevance of the Shaira Maxims (al Qawaid al Faqhiyah), by: S.M. Hasanuzzaman, Reviewed by: SHAMSHER ALI مراجعة علمية لكتاب: الدلالات الاقتصادية للقواعد الشرعية (القواعد الفقهية)، تأليف: سيد محمد حسن الزمان، مراجعة: شمشير علي

The Sharia Maxims, we are told, “are the systematic exposition of the spirit of the legal text (nass)” (p. 1 ). Dr. Hasanuzzaman, with the endorsement of the Center for Research in Islamic Economics of King Abdulaziz University and in consultation with some noted jurists, has put together systematically some important maxims as the first-ever compilation in English. They are all to be congratulated, and especially Dr. Hasanuzzaman. So much destruction has occurred to Islamic thought and practice in the last century or two due to subjugation by the imperialist powers that a book like this is absolutely necessary for Muslims to return effectively to their civilisation and move steadily forward, as even civilisation must, instead of meandering in wilderness. Thus they do not only need to do much more of this type of joint effort to be able to hasten their pace, but also be able to reach at some threshold to practical completeness; for example, an extended body of commercial laws, which the accountants and economists also understand, use and contribute to with the jurist. Indeed, in the “Foreword” it is said that this book is “only a beginning … and invite further deliberation and discussion” (p. vii) on this subject. It is hoped that many would take this opportunity with vigor and dedication for reaching some practical finality.