Ibn Rushd's "Bidayat al-Mujtahid" ("The Distinguished Jurist's Primer") occupies a unique place among the authoritative manuals of Islamic law. It is designed to prepare the jurist for the task of the mujtahid, the independent jurist, who derives the law and lays down precedents to be followed by the judge in the administration of justice. In this manual Ibn Rushd traces most of the issues of Islamic law, describing not only what the law is, but also elaborating the methodology of some of the greatest legal minds in Islam to show how such laws were derived.

This book deals with all the issues facing a Muslim in his daily life and is, therefore, highly useful for Muslims all over the world who need to understand their law for new situations. It has special significance for judges, lawyers, teachers, and students in Muslim and non-Muslim countries.