Ahmad Qābel and Contemporary Islamic Thought

Ahmad Qā
bel (1954-2012) was one of the key figures in the 'New Religious Thinking' trend of reformist thought, whose radical views were some of the most daring of his generation, seeking to rationalize and modernize Islamic law. In this comprehensively researched and accessibly written book, Lloyd Ridgeon offers an original examination of Qā
bel's writings, including his seminal work Shari'at-e 'Aqlā
ni (Rational Shariah). Throughout his career, Qā
bel crossed many political and religious redlines, resulting in several prison terms and hastening his premature death while under hospital arrest. Chapters covering topics from jurisprudence and politics to gender relations and society unravel Qā
bel's worldview, introducing and illuminating his work for all readers. With extended translations from Qā
bel's compositions, including two whole chapters from Shari'at-e 'Aqlā
ni, Ridgeon offers the necessary context to understand the resounding significance of Qā
bel's ideas and arguments.