This challenging book reviews the ethical foundations of the Islamic legal system, suggesting that an authoritarian reading of scripture has often had grave consequences for parts of Muslim society. Drawing upon both religious and secular sources, Islamic legal expert Khaled Abou El Fadl argues that divinely ordained law is frequently misinterpreted by Muslim authorities at the expense of women and oth er groups. Citing a series of injustices in Islamic society, from the ban on women driving to the restrictions governing female clothing, El Fadl's thoughtful and cogent study proposes instead a return to the original ethics at the heart of the Muslim legal system.