PISC no. 7: “Mastering Maliki Law: A Moroccan Case Study”

The Princeton Islamic Studies Colloquium is a forum at Princeton University for workshopping students’ and guest scholars’ works-in-progress in Islamic Studies and related fields. The colloquium meets several times per semester to discuss a pre-circulated paper, and all attendees are expected to have read and reflected on the paper beforehand. A discussant initiates the conversation with a summary of the work in progress’ main argument, taking care to identify what the piece contributes to current scholarship as well as the potential for further development. Following the author’s response, a moderator conducts an hour of mediated discussion. The forum is led and organized by graduate students.

Abstract:

Pedagogical canons, loosely defined as frameworks and instructional content to impart disciplinary literacy, can be vital sources for understanding stability and transformation in diverse historical contexts. This article documents and contextualizes the curriculum of fiqh and usul al-fiqh during a period of far-reaching reform at Dar El hadith El Hassania, a Moroccan institute for training elite ‘ulama’. The balance of pre-modern canonical material with more recent sources anchors the institution in a centuries-long tradition of Maliki fiqh while facilitating adaptation to political, social, and economic transformations.

Event co-sponsored by the Near Eastern Studies Department, the Department of Religion, the Near Eastern Studies Program, the Center for Culture, Society and Religion, and the Humanities Council’s Stewart Fund for Religion.