Introduction:
Islamic jurisprudence encompasses various schools of thought that have evolved throughout history. This article explores the Fiqh of Iraq and Hijaz, Laythi Math’hab, Thawri Math’hab, and the Shafi’i Math’hab, highlighting their characteristics and comparing them with references solely from the Quran. By drawing insights from the Quran, we can gain a deeper understanding of the foundations and teachings of these schools.
Fiqh of Iraq and Hijaz:
The Fiqh of Iraq and Hijaz refers to the legal tradition developed in these regions, influenced by various scholars and schools of thought. This comprehensive approach incorporates the teachings of the Maliki, Hanafi, and Shafi’i schools, emphasizing the Quran and Hadith as primary sources.
Quote from the Quran: Surah Al-Hajj (22:78) encourages believers to strive in the way of Allah and avoid extreme practices, stating, “And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.”
This amalgamation of legal perspectives seeks to strike a balance between various scholarly opinions, ensuring the application of Islamic law in a manner that is practical and accessible to the wider community.
Laythi Math’hab:
The Laythi Math’hab, named after Imam Layth ibn Sa’d, is a scholarly tradition that flourished in Egypt. It primarily relies on the Quran, Hadith, and the practices of the people of Egypt. It places importance on the concept of local customs and practices in interpreting and applying Islamic law.
Quote from the Quran: Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13) emphasizes the equality of all believers, stating, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”
The Laythi Math’hab takes into account the specific cultural and societal contexts of Egypt, ensuring that Islamic rulings are compatible with the customs and traditions of the local community.
Thawri Math’hab:
The Thawri Math’hab, named after Imam Sufyan al-Thawri, was influential in Iraq and the wider Muslim world. It emphasizes the Quran and Hadith as primary sources of guidance, prioritizing the literal understanding of texts.
Quote from the Quran: Surah An-Nisa (4:59) emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of Allah and the Prophet, stating, “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.”
The Thawri Math’hab places a strong emphasis on textual evidence and rigorous adherence to the principles derived from the Quran and Hadith, ensuring a literal and conservative approach to Islamic jurisprudence.
Reasons for Disappearance:
The disappearance of certain schools of thought can be attributed to various factors, including geopolitical changes, sociocultural shifts, and the dominance of other schools. Over time, certain schools have gradually lost prominence, leading to their disappearance or limited influence in contemporary Islamic jurisprudence.
Shafi’i Math’hab:
The Shafi’i Math’hab, founded by Imam Muhammad ibn Idris ash-Shafi’i, is one of the four major schools of thought in Sunni Islam.
The Shafi’i Math’hab emphasizes the Quran, Hadith, consensus (Ijma’), and analogical reasoning (Qiyas) as sources of legal rulings. It focuses on the principles of equity, justice, and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Quote from the Quran: Surah An-Nisa (4:59) emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and the Prophet, stating, “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.”
The Shafi’i Math’hab seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework that addresses the needs of society while adhering to the principles outlined in the Quran and Hadith. It incorporates analytical reasoning and the application of legal principles in determining rulings.
Comparison between Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i:
While the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i schools have unique methodologies and approaches, they all rely on the Quran and Hadith as primary sources of guidance. They strive to uphold the principles of justice, righteousness, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.
Quote from the Quran: Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8) encourages fairness and justice in legal matters, stating, “And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.”
Each school applies its distinct methodologies to derive legal rulings, taking into account textual evidence, scholarly consensus, and analogical reasoning. These methodologies provide a framework for interpreting and applying Islamic law in different contexts.
Conclusion:
The Fiqh of Iraq and Hijaz, Laythi Math’hab, Thawri Math’hab, and the Shafi’i Math’hab represent different schools of thought within Islamic jurisprudence. While each school has its unique characteristics, they share a common foundation in the Quran as the ultimate source of guidance.
By relying on the Quranic verses, these schools of thought seek to ensure that their legal rulings align with the principles of justice, equity, and righteousness. While some schools have diminished in prominence or disappeared over time, their contributions to Islamic legal thought have left a lasting impact on the development of Islamic jurisprudence.
It is important to approach these schools with respect and a spirit of scholarly inquiry, recognizing the diversity and richness within Islamic legal traditions. By studying and understanding these different schools of thought, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of Islamic jurisprudence and its adherence to the divine guidance of the Quran.
ISLAMIC LAWS 