1. Historical development

‘Historical development’ discusses the historical development of Islamic law, divided into six major periods. These include the formative period, the pre-classical period, the classical period, the post-classical period, the modern period, and an emerging post-modern period. The history of Islamic law is linked with the divine call of Muhammad to prophethood and the consequent emergence of Islam as a religious faith in Arabia in the 7th century. The Qur’an became the main source for guidance for the early Muslims. Thus, faith in God as the divine authority, in Muhammad as a prophet of God, and in the Qur’an as a divine revelation, has served as the cornerstone of Islamic law.