Islamic legal philosophy

"Islamic Legal Philosophy is a study of the famous Spanish Maliki jurist Abu Ishaq al-Shatibi's (d. 790/1388) life and legal thought. Shatibi is one of the prominent jurists whose thought, particularly the idea of maslaha, which is the focal point of his legal philosophy (maqasid al-shari'a), has played a very significant role in the modern Muslim liberal legal though. In fourteen chapters, the book is a pioneer study of Shatibi's essential legal concepts. The analysis is preceded by a detailed study of the historical and intellectual background of social changes which necessitated a reinterpretation of Islamic Legal Theory." --Page [4] of cover.