'The author's approach is historical but not chronological, and he moves backwards and forwards in time with an erudition which is outstanding ... I can heartily recommend it.' History Today
'One of the virtues of Michael Cook is his skill in taking the discourse beyond the terrain of dry academic preoccupations and anchor the discussion in how our outlook on this perspective of law affects our whole view of morality and society. An excellent abridgment offering a comprehensive and accessible overview of the subject. Cambridge University Press is to be congratulated on this, their third in the series Themes in Islamic History.' The Queensland Lawyer
'It is no doubt the best (and probably the only serious) work on forbidding wrong …'. The Muslim World Book Review
'… every modern student of Islamic law should study this work seriously.' Afzal Sumar, Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies