Islam and Human Rights — Page 11
Introductory 11 and intellect, began on occasion to tread amusing and curious byways. So much so that some of the so- called works on Juris prudence of later periods comprise within their scope sec tions entitled Bab-el-Hiyal , i. e. Chapters on Evasion, which work out methods of evading the spirit and defeating the purpose of the law while complying with its letter! It is obvious that the result was mortifying rather than enlivening, and the development of Muslim Jurisprudence was not only arrested but suffered a severe set-back. For close upon a century now, Muslim thought, in all its aspects, has experienced a healthy revival, the effects of which are today open to observation and appraisal in every field. This has, however, not always been welcome among certain sections of Western scholars of Islam. For them the medieval exercises in speculation hold a fascination from which they find it hard to release themselves. The concrete and practical are too cold for their liking and lack the flavour of romance to which they have accustomed themselves. Yet if they would only take the trouble to face about, they would meet in the greater part of today’s Muslim thought-exegesis, ethics, jurisprudence spiritual values, etc. -a refreshing, purifying and uplifting quality which they would be glad to welcome. Many of their colleagues have already