Description:There have been significant devlopments in the evolution of Islamic Law with respect to the family especially in those countries where the Shari'a tradition is influential. The aim of this book is to cover the current research into the most challenging areas of Islamic family law. The articles which are included are central to the interests of influential groups in many Islamic countries and to the perceived rights of significant minorities throughout the non-Islamic world. The book addresses issues such as the development of the law of succession, the colonial encounter and its impact on Islamic family law, as well as critical areas in the contemporary family law of the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, China and Europe. Special attention is given to the law of minorities in their relation to the State.