Shariah:| What is the Sharia?

In this comprehensive guide, John Esposito and Natana Delong-Bas have provided ‘informed answers to many questions and charges that surround the debate over Shariah and Islamic Law’ (p. 1). The book is written for a general readership, hence the style and very simple language. Most of the contents are covered by raising specific questions pertaining to Shari[ah and providing answers in lucid explanations. The book is divided into eleven chapters with a brief introduction summarizing its contents. Chapters 1 and 2 raise basic questions about the origins and spiritual and social meanings of Shari[ah for Muslims and try to give explanations. Chapter 1 also explores the reasons for the fear of Shari[ah which, like the fear of Islam, is generated by many international events taking place and the emergence of militant and terrorist organizations. Mass media have also played a part in the spread of this fear. This has resulted in opposition to the establishment of Shari[ah Courts, whereas there ‘has been a long-established tradition of allowing faith-based arbitration for Christians and Jews’ (p. 17).