Sanhuri, Abd al-Razzaq al-
Sanhuri, Abd al-Razzaq al- (d. 1971) was a prominent Egyptian jurist and legal scholar, renowned for his efforts to modernize Islamic law while maintaining its historical and social relevance. Abd al-Razzaq al-Sanhuri, Abdel Razek el-Sanhouri [Arabic: عبد الرزاق السنهوري; Turkish: Abdülrezzak Sanhuri], received his education in both French and Egyptian institutions, which greatly influenced his legal philosophy.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1895 in Egypt, al-Sanhuri’s education began locally but then expanded internationally, grounding him in both Islamic legal traditions and Western legal systems. He pursued studies at the University of Cairo and later at the University of Lyons, where he earned a doctorate in law. This diverse educational background equipped him with the unique perspective and expertise to propose reforms that bridged Western and Islamic legal principles.
Contribution to Legal Reforms
Al-Sanhuri is best known for his pivotal role in the construction of the civil codes for Iraq and Egypt. His work aimed at blending principles of Roman Law, as channeled through the French Civil Code, with Sharia principles and the contemporary needs of Muslim societies. These civil codes have had a long-lasting impact and remain influential in the legal systems of these countries.
Works and Legacy
Apart from his contributions to the civil codes, al-Sanhuri authored numerous works on Islamic law and jurisprudence. His magnum opus, the Masadir al-Haqq fi’l-Fiqh al-Islami (“The Sources of Rights in Islamic Jurisprudence”), is considered a landmark text in Islamic legal studies. His approach sought to retain the ethical foundations of Islamic law while making it applicable and sensible to modern contexts.
Further Reading
For those interested in learning more about Abd al-Razzaq al-Sanhuri and his contributions, the following books are recommended:
- Anderson, J.N.D. “Islamic Law in the Modern World” - Discusses the modernization and application of Islamic law in contemporary periods.
- Mallat, Chibli. “Introduction to Middle Eastern Law” - Offers a critical perspective on modern Middle Eastern legal systems through the lens of scholars like al-Sanhuri.
- Brown, Nathan J. “The Rule of Law in the Arab World: Courts in Egypt and the Gulf” - Examines legal reforms and the influence of modern legal scholars including al-Sanhuri.
Takeaways
- Interdisciplinary Expertise: Al-Sanhuri’s interdisciplinary education helped him bridge Western and Islamic legal systems.
- Modernization of Islamic Law: His work aimed at maintaining the ethical core of Sharia while ensuring its relevance to modern societies.
- Lasting Impact: The civil codes he helped construct still influence legal frameworks in Iraq and Egypt.
Conclusion
Abd al-Razzaq al-Sanhuri stands as a pivotal figure in the field of Islamic law. His efforts not only contributed to the modernization of legal systems in several countries but also pioneered a balanced integration of traditional Islamic jurisprudence with contemporary legal standards. His legacy remains a testament to the dynamic and adaptable nature of Islamic legal thought.
