Islamic law encyclopedia praised

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher lauds the Ensiklopedi Hukum Islam (Encyclopedia of Islamic Law), launched in Indonesia at a reception Saturday.

The six-volume encyclopedia, published in stages, cover various aspects of Islam including theology, law, history, Islamic organizations that contribute to the development of law, and Moslem figures.

Tarmizi said the encyclopedia would serve as a valuable reference in addressing traditional and contemporary issues affecting Indonesian Moslems. It is expected to help Moslem scholars enrich their perspectives on their roles in society, he said.

Indonesia is the world's largest Moslem country. Eighty-seven percent of its 199.7 million people are Moslem. Six percent are Protestant, 3.5 percent Catholic, 1.8 percent Hindu, 1.03 percent Buddhist and 0.3 percent undecided, he said.

PT Ichtiar Baru Van Hoewe publishing company president director L. Pasmans said the 2,208-page encyclopedia was the first on Islamic law in Indonesian. Two other countries that have produced similar encyclopedias are Egypt and Kuwait.

Pasmans said an English translation was being considered but did not give a time frame. He said it was hard to maintain the encyclopedia's nuance and style in another language.

It took two years to compile and 5,000 copies will be issued at various stages. The encyclopedia will cost Rp 672.000 (US$262). (01)