Islamic Law and Civil Code: The Law of Property in Egypt

Richard A. Debs follows the modern development of law in Egypt, a predominantly Islamic society in which the west has defined the terms of progress in the modern era. Debs focuses specifically on Egypt and its modern legal institutions, which draw upon societyÕs own vigorous legal traditions as it forms its modern law. Yet Debs also touches on issues that are common to all such societies that have adopted, either by choice or by necessity, western legal systems.
EgyptÕs unique synthesis of western and traditional elements is the outcome of an effort to respond to national goals and requirements. EgyptÕs traditional law is the Sharia, the fundamental law of all Islamic societies, and through his analysis of EgyptÕs law of property, the author shows how Islamic jurisprudence can be sophisticated, coherent, rational, and effective, developed over centuries to serve the needs of societies that have flourished under the rule of law.