The Evolution of Islamic Law of Nations and the Modern International Order Universal Peace through Mutuality and Cooperation

Abstract

As traditionally understood, the Islamic State and the Shari’ah have
been seen inimical to contemporary international law, membership in
the United Nations Organization, and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. Hardline advocates of the Shari’ah argue that the institution
of nation-state and modem internationalism are hostile to the
Islamic polity. The position taken here, however, argues quite the opposite.
Through looking at the theory and practice of Islamic Law, it is
claimed that the Islamic Law of Nations is evolutionary in character.
The participation of Muslim nations in the modem international order
is not antagonistic to the principles of Shari’ah. Islamic law can accommodate
the modern international order on the basis of cooperation and
peaceful coexistence.