Translation and a review of the doctoral thesis of Academic Mehmed Begović

Abstract

UDK: 348.97:929 Begović M.

The doctoral thesis of Professor Mehmed Begović is the first work in the field of Sharia law written by a European Muslim. It was written and published under the title: De l'Évolution du Droit Musulman en Yougoslavie, and dedicated to the development of the institutions of the Sharia law in the region comprised by the Kingdom of Yugoslavia at the time. The doctoral studies commission board evaluated it with the highest grade. The University of Algeria also awarded it, and as such was published in the form of a book in 1930. Apart from the introduction and conclusion, the thesis comprises four chapters, discussing respectively: the personal status of Muslims, Waqf law, Sharia jurisprudence, and, finally, the codification of Shariah law.  This article presents the author’s view on the value and significance of the doctoral thesis of Academic Mehmed Begović, without an attempt to critically evaluate the content of the book here.