Includes bibliographical references (p. [209]-216).

Part One: The Methods of Textual Indication on Legal Rulings; The Hanafi Approach to the Methods of Textual Indication; The Shafi'i Approach to the Methods of Textual Indication; Part Two: Clarity and Ambiguity in Words; The Hanafi Approach to Clear Words; The Shafi'i Approach to Clear Words; The Hanafi Approach to Unclear Words; The Shafi'i Approach to Unclear Words; Part Three: Generality and Specific Quality of Words; Part Four: The Interpretation of Clear and Unclear Words.

The discipline of 'principles of Islamic jurisprudence' ('usul al-fiqh') constitutes the theoretical basis of Islamic law (Shari'a) and the indisputable foundation on which it is based. One of the most important branches of 'usul al-fiqh' is the study of the usage of language. 'Language and the Interpretation of Islamic Law' is the first work to appear in the English language dealing with this important aspect of Islamic law. Dr Sukrija Husejn Ramic gives us the background to the terminology used by the different schools of Islamic law and then discusses the different applications of language in legal reasoning and the interpretation of Islamic law.