About the Book: In the Evolution of Fiqh (Islamic Law & the Madh-habs), the author very clearly presents a brief overview of the historical development of Islamic law and its schools (the madh-habs). The book identifies the main reason for the appearance of the madh-habs and the factors leading to differences among them. For those to whom the madh-habs have been a mystery,this aspect of the book will be extremely enlightening. Although the author sheds light on both the positive and negative roles of the madh-habs in the past, the main message of the book is a call to the understanding of logistic differences (with an aim to remove them where possible),and a proposal for the unification of the madh-habs. "What makes this book stimulating are the perceptive and penetrating questions that Abu Ameenah raises. The book is important as it draws the Muslims' attention to self-criticism that is long overdue."