Al Muwardis - Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyya w'al- Wilayat al-Diniyya The Ordinance of Governance.

Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyya w'al- Wilayat al-Diniyya
The Ordinance of Governance.
By Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi
-translated by Professor Wafaa H Wahba
Paperback 302 Pages

An easily accessible translation of Al-Mawardi's unique classical work on the laws of Islamic governance. Based on the example of the first Muslim community of Madina, and concerned more with practice than with theory, it describes the rights, duties and responsibilities of those in authority, including the selection of the Khalifah and his appointment of ministers, amirs of the provinces and the armed forces, Imams of the mosques, judges and court officials, and those responsible for collecting the zakah and other revenues. The book also considers the main issues relating to land ownership, water supplies, criminal law, fair trading, control over weights and measures, and public order. A vital reference resource for those already exercising authority, as well as for students and researchers of Islamic studies, this book can be studied either as a historical record of Islamic governance in the 5th century AH/11th century CE, or as a description of the exercise of authority which still existed at the beginning of the 20th century CE.

The Ordinances of Government is believed to have been written under commission from one of the caliphs of Baghdad, as indicated in the author’s preface. It has long been recognised as a classic in its field, much discussed by Arab authors and orientalists, quote in courses on Islamic law and government. It contains insights into key issues of Islamic law, including the appointment of sovereigns, officials, judges and military commanders, and their rights, responsibilities and duties; fighting apostates, insurgents and brigands; dividing the spoils of war; boundaries between countries, land reclamation and water supplies; land enclosure, tithes, taxes and alms; crimes and punishments; fornication, theft, drinking and adultery.

Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi was a 10th-century jurist who wrote on many subjects, including Qur'anic interpretations, religion, government, public and constitutional law, language and ethics.
The son of a rose-water merchant, lived in Basra from 974 to 1058AD, a time of political turmoil. Despite ongoing disputes between the Abbasid caliphs and the military powers of the Shi‘ite Buyids, al-Mawardi held the respect of both parties and was often called on to mediate between them. He served as a judge in several districts and was commended as a judge par excellence.
He wrote on many subjects, including Qur’anic interpretations, religion, government, public and constitutional law, language, ethics and belles-lettres. His method of working was as an independent thinker, quoting different viewpoints, discussing their merits, and putting forward his own conclusions. Al-Mawardi died in 450 AH (1058 AD)

Covering all the various aspects of the deen of Islam which are the concern and responsibility of the Khalifah, his amirs, his wazirs (ministers) and deputies. The rights and duties of these persons are expounded in detail.

Related Title:
Public Duties in Islam: The Institution of the Hisba
Author: Ibn Taymiya , translated by Muhtar Holland
Pages: 160. Paperback
An exposition of the theory of Hisba in the wider context of a just society and an efficient market economy.
Al-Haisba is a moral as well as a socio-economic institution in Islam through which public life is regulated in such a way that a high degree of public morality is attained and the society is protected from bad workmanship , fraud , extortion and exploitation

The Version by Taha Publishers is Out of Print .
Al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah: The Laws of Islamic Governance. -translated by Dr. Asadullah Yate. 380 pages Paperback A5 ISBN 1897940 41 6
Ref: 23 t Price: £9.95 - This Version Published by Taha is currently out of Print