This book presents usul al-fiqh, or Islamic legal theory, as comprising three major theories or methodologies. Each had a distinct function to perform in the development of Islamic law. The first theory is shown to be based on the operation of general principles and the analytical method, the methodology of the second incorporates strict interpretation and analogy, while the third theory is based on the purposes of the Islamic shari'ah. The book presents the content of Islamic legal theory in a manner that reflects the traditional approach, but takes into account the needs of the modern lawyer, judge and scholar.