The Islamic Law of War ─ Justifications and Regulations

One of the world's foremost authorities on Islam and Islamic law, Al-Dawoody (Islamic Law, University of California, Los Angeles) presents a scholarly and exceedingly well-documented inquiry into how Islamic law sanctions and regulates armed conflict. Topics covered include the various types of force that are allowed to be used in domestic and international conflicts; whether Islamic law sanctions "holy war," offensive war, or just defensive war; whether force is permissible when overthrowing a repressive government; and how Islamic law governs the treatment of terrorism and terrorists. While the ins and outs of Al-Dawoody's historical, legal, and Qur'anic analysis can be hard to follow, the author's clear and direct writing style will help readers get through the hard spots. Ideal as a text on the subject and an excellent antidote to uniformed comments about "jihad," this book should be in every library's collection. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)