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Kuala Lumpur, 8 April 2025 – In today’s fast-paced and information-saturated world, particularly with the pervasive influence of social media, there is a growing need for the public to access reliable and contextualised knowledge of Islamic rulings.
Recognising this, INCEIF Faculty Member Datuk Prof Dr Mohamad Akram Laldin came up with a revised edition of his widely referenced book, Islamic Law: An Introduction, at a review session held at the Financial Services Library, Bangunan AICB.
“This book aims to provide a framework that helps the public and students alike understand how Islamic rulings are deduced—something especially important today as many are exposed to fragmented or misleading interpretations online,” said Datuk Akram during the session.
Building on the success of its previous edition, this updated version further strengthens the book’s standing as an essential reference in Shariah studies and Islamic finance. It provides a clear exposition of Islamic legal concepts while offering a comparative lens to secular legal systems. The book is particularly suited for students beginning their journey in Islamic law, as well as general readers seeking foundational understanding.
The motivation to write the book came from Datuk Akram’s teaching experience at the International Islamic University Malaysia about two decades ago, where he observed that many existing texts were too technical and inaccessible for newcomers. His goal was to create a more approachable and student-friendly resource, grounded in academic integrity but presented in clear, accessible language.
Drawing from his extensive scholarly background, including a PhD in Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence from the University of Edinburgh, Datuk Akram systematically unpacked key elements of Islamic law. The book covers:
Chapter 1: Key terminologies such as fiqh, usul al-fiqh, and Shariah, and the distinctions between them.
Chapter 2: The objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Shariah), highlighting its ethical and practical dimensions.
Chapter 3: The sources of Islamic law, focusing on the classification and function of both primary sources (Qur’an and Sunnah) and secondary sources (ijma’ and qiyas).
Chapter 4: Islamic legal maxims (Qawa’id al-Fiqhiyyah), with emphasis on five major maxims and their related sub-principles.
Chapter 5: A historical overview of the development of fiqh, tracing six key stages from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to the era of codified rulings.
The revised edition has been praised for its clarity and simplicity, making intricate legal concepts accessible without compromising on scholarly depth. This approach is a testament to Datuk Akram’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic discourse and practical understanding.
A prolific scholar in Islamic Banking and Finance, Datuk Akram currently serves in multiple influential roles, including as a Member of Bank Negara Malaysia’s Shariah Advisory Council, Chairman of the Shariah Boards of both the Employees Provident Fund Malaysia and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, and as a member of several other national and international advisory and governance bodies.
The launch of this revised edition reinforces Datuk Akram’s longstanding dedication to Islamic education and his ongoing efforts to make Islamic legal knowledge more accessible to diverse audiences.
*The book is available for purchase at the INCEIF Bookstore on campus and via Shopee.