Abstract

In this pioneering work Siraj Sait and Hilary Lim address Islamic property and land rights, drawing on a range of socio-historical, classical and contemporary resources. They address the significance of Islamic theories of property and Islamic land tenure regimes on the 'webs of tenure' prevalent in the Muslim societies. They consider the possibility of using Islamic legal and human rights systems for the development of inclusive, pro-poor approaches to land rights. They also focus on Muslim women's rights to property and inheritance systems. Engaging with institutions such as the Islamic endowment (waqf) and principles of Islamic microfinance, they test the workability of 'authentic' Islamic proposals. Located in human rights as well as Islamic debates, this study offers a well researched and constructive appraisal of property and land rights in the Muslim world.
'This book is a cross cultural endeavour to promote global strategies for enhancing security of tenure in the Muslim World. This collaborative venture between UN-HABITAT, academics and civil society makes a vital and timely contribution to the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) and other global campaigns.' Clarissa Augustinus, UN-HABITAT 'Is there such a thing as an “Islamic approach” to the land discourse and what would be its implications? This book addresses the gap in both the human rights and Islamic literature on land and property issues and therefore will be of interest to practitioners as well as academics.' Nazila Ghania, University of London 'The book challenges the stereotyped versions of Islam and its practice in Muslim communities.' Mohamed Elewa, Egyptian Diplomat
Siraj Sait has been a consultant for the UNHCR, UNICEF and UN-HABITAT. He has been closely associated with several NGOs, as a consultant for Minority Rights Group and as a trustee of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. He is currently Legal Officer, Land and Tenure Section, Shelter Branch, UN-HABITAT. Hilary Lim is a Principal Lecturer in Law at the University of East London, where she teaches land law, equity and trusts and child law.