it forms the basis for both law and ethics. In spite of the differences between the segments within Islamic culture, it has provided an underlying sense of identity and common mode of behavior for the aggregate society. As such, the role of Islamic law within Muslim society has always been, and will continue to be a central issue for those within the community of believers. Consequently, what Westerners view today in terms of the behavior of Muslim society is largely a conflict between Islamic fundamentalists and modern thinking with respect to the practice and interpretation of the law as it relates to the needs and dictates of society today.
Within Islamic society, there are two historical divisions, the Sunni and the Shii. The Sunni represent approximately 85 percent of the total population of believers and the Shii approximately 15 percent (Esposito, 1991, p. 4). While these statistics focus on the common faith and belief epitomized by the Five Pillars of Islam, there is still much in the way of differences internal to each of these groups.
In early times, the Near East spawned many religions. Given the nature of tribal society in seventh-century Arabia and the presence of the Roman (Byzantine) and Persian empires as buffer states surrounding the Arabian Peninsula, it would have seemed unlikely that any new religion would be able to emerge. Despite these obstacles, Islamic tradition did emerge and begin to grow based upon the revelation of the Quran (The Word) and under the leadership of the Prophet, Muhammad.
Arabian religion and society at the time, reflected the tribal nature of the region. Bedouin tribes pursued a nomadic existence and the most prominent of towns was Mecca which was the center of trade and commerce, and Medina which was primarily an agricultural settlement. Dominant sources of income for the people of this time were herding, agriculture, trade and pillaging of neighbors. Intertribal warfare ...