This book examines the cultural origins of Islamic law. Some authorities
stress the importance of the contribution of Roman law; others that of
Arabian law. Most are agreed that Jewish law contributed, but not
explained further. Dr Crone tests the Roman hypothesis with reference to
one institution, the patronate, which does indeed appear to owe
something to Roman law. He concludes that Roman law contributed only in
so far as it was part and parcel of the rather different legal practice
of the Near Eastern provinces, and that provincial law would repay
further consideration by legal historians.