Shari`a in the Secular State: Evolving Meanings of Islamic Jurisprudence in Turkey

Author:   Russell Powell ,  Professor Vijay K. Bhatia ,  Ms. Anne Wagner, PhD
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Edition:   New edition
ISBN:  

9781472479549


Pages:   168
Publication Date:   20 June 2016
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   In Print   Availability explained
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Shari`a in the Secular State: Evolving Meanings of Islamic Jurisprudence in Turkey


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Overview

Words in both law and religion can shape power relationships and are often highly disputed. Shari`a lies within the overlap of these two spheres and provides a unique subject for the study of meaning in that liminal space. This book contributes important insights related to Islamic jurisprudence and secularism in the Turkish context and regarding the role of language in contested legal and religious contexts. The study begins by providing a historical framework for the ideas and terms covered, including concepts of religion in general, Shari`a in particular, and secularism in the Turkish state. It goes on to examine empirical research to describe and analyze contemporary Turkish understandings of religion and Shari`a. The author’s research indicates that there is often a disconnect between supporting the adoption of Shari`a and supporting the regulation of everyday behavior through civil codes. Thus, “Shari`a” seems to have taken on new meanings as groups have sought either to appropriate or criticize it. It is a quintessential example of fractured and contextual meaning at the center of both religious and legal traditions. This book is essential reading for both academics and those interested in law, linguistics, history, political science, anthropology, sociology, religious studies, or Near Eastern studies.

Full Product Details

Author:   Russell Powell ,  Professor Vijay K. Bhatia ,  Ms. Anne Wagner, PhD
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.385kg
ISBN:  

9781472479549


ISBN 10:   1472479548
Pages:   168
Publication Date:   20 June 2016
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print   Availability explained
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

List of Figures and Tables Glossary Preface Note on Transliteration, Names and Dates Introduction Chapter 1 Religion in Context Religion as the metaphysical or theological Psychological definitions of religion Religion as the social Religion and politics: Boundaries and interactions Religion and politics: The dynamic of competition The role of secularism Chapter 2 Historical Meanings of Shari`a Classical Tradition and fiqh The classical tradition of Ottoman jurisprudence Range of modern approaches Conclusion Chapter 3 Landscapes of popular religion in Turkey Sources of influence in Turkish popular religion Education Religious organizations Religious leaders The media Conclusion Chapter 4 Turkish secularism Historiography Social science considering law and religion in Turkey Empirical studies considering preferences regarding Shari`a Chapter 5 Descriptive Analysis of Data Preference for Shari`a Religion What is Shari`a Shari’a process Shari`a rules Methodological approaches to Shari`a Analysis of significant correlations in survey data Linear regression and crosstab analysis Binary logistic regression model Conclusion Chapter 6 Analysis of Qualitative Interviews University educated High school educated Primary school education or less Reflections on the survey group of interviews Hizmet/Gülen-affiliated participants Chapter 7 Influences in the Formations of Views Toward Shari`a Ekrem Dilek Yusuf Elif Halil Altan Fatma Hakan Ahmet Sevgi Seda Melek Zeynep Emir Nergis Hizmet/Gülen-Affiliated Participants Observations Conclusion Bibliography Index

Reviews

'Moving easily through social theory, theology, newly created data, and insightful interviews, Russell Powell's brilliant book presents an illuminating, nuanced, and persuasive account of the relationship between the diverse lived experiences of religion and law in Turkey. But the discussion also has profound implications for the relationship between law and religion in the United States and elsewhere. This is an exceedingly important book.' Steven H. Shiffrin, Charles Frank Reavis Sr. Professor of Law, Emeritus, Cornell University Law School, USA 'Professor Powell's study is a compelling exploration of the complex ways in which religious identity is constructed within the legally secular framework of modern Turkey. Meticulously researched and supported by quantitative data from empirical studies, it is particularly insightful into the contradictory understandings of Shari'a in contemporary Turkey, from a symbol of faith for some to one of oppression for others.' Professor Ali Asani, Director, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Program, Harvard University, USA 'Russell Powell's conclusion that most Turks of different educational backgrounds and degrees of religiosity support traditional moral values while holding relatively libertarian views on freedom of religion offers an important corrective to much of the literature. Conceptually clear and methodologically innovative, this book makes an important contribution by identifying an enduring role for religion in shaping the moral universe of secular Turks and the constitutive role of Turkish secularism in framing the preferences of religious Turks concerning state implementation of Shari'a.' Professor Asli U Bali, Director, UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, UCLA School of Law, USA


Author Information

Russell Powell is Professor of Law and Associate Provost for Global Engagement at Seattle University, USA. He has previously worked as a diplomat and holds degrees in History, Languages, Philosophy and Law. He has published widely on law and religion, and rights.

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