The publication of The Formation of the Sunni Schools of Law; Ninth-Tenth Centuries C.E.; first as a University of Pennsylvania doctoral dissertation in 1992; and subsequently as a monograph in 1997 (Studies in Islamic Law and Society; Brill); established Christoph Melchert as a preeminent scholar of the history of Islamic law and institutions. Through close readings of works on fiqh; meticulous unpacking of data in biographical dictionaries; and careful attention to curricular; pious; pedagogical; and scholarly practices; Melchert has subsequently illuminated the processes and procedures that undergirded the development of Islamic movements and institutions in the formative period of Islam. The present volume brings together sixteen of his articles; including those considered his most important as well as ones that are difficult to access. Originally published between 1997 and 2014; they are arranged chronologically under three rubrics-hadith; piety; and law. The material is presented in a new format; updated by Melchert where appropriate; and indexed. The appearance of these articles together in a single volume makes this book a highly significant and welcome contribution to the field of classical Islamic Studies.
#954426 in Books John Whitmer Books 2012-10-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .42 x 6.00l; .57 #File Name: 1934901350186 pages
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Thorough review of little-explored common question.By JeannieWhy the cross is not used as a visual symbol by the Mormon Church is a frequently raised question. This book is an in-depth look at the history of the cross as a symbol for both Protestants and Mormons in the 19th century. It explains how the current Mormon practice developed while making it clear that there is nothing in Mormon scripture or doctrine that compels Mormons to reject the cross as a symbol. It is reader-friendly and very informative.11 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Great BookBy AnnI highly recommend this book to anyone; member or nonmember; who has questions as to why Mormons don't usually wear crosses or have them in their homes. I am LDS (Mormon) and this answered my questions. I will now feel more comfortable wearing a cross and seeing other wearing them in the LDS community.4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Very informative and well-researchedBy David PierceI went into reading this book thinking it may be another anti-Mormon book; however; it was far from that. Michael Reed presented information about the history of the cross in relation to the Mormon church presenting; as Joe Friday would put it; "Just the facts..." It was enlightening and it showed where the aversion to the cross in some members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comes from. Mr. Reed also presented the points of view of splinters from the original Mormon Church; which I find quite interesting. I would highly recommend reading this book to learn more about things not really discussed in LDS Church history.
