Introduction:
The Islamic legal tradition encompasses diverse schools of thought, known as madh-habs, which provide comprehensive frameworks for the understanding and application of Islamic law (fiqh). In this section, we will summarize the main features of the four major madh-habs—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—and explore the compilation of fiqh within these schools. Guiding our exploration is the following Quranic quote that emphasizes unity and cooperation among believers:
Quran Quote: “Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Quran 3:103)
The Hanafi Madh-hab:
The Hanafi madh-hab, founded by Imam Abu Hanifa, emphasizes the use of reason and independent judgment in legal reasoning. It places great importance on principles derived from the Quran and Sunnah, as well as the opinions of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The Hanafi school is known for its detailed analysis of legal texts, extensive use of analogy (qiyas), and consideration of local customs and public interest.
The Maliki Madh-hab:
The Maliki madh-hab, named after Imam Malik, places significant emphasis on the practice and customs of the people of Madinah during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. It considers the Quran, Sunnah, and the consensus of the people of Madinah as important sources of law. The Maliki school prioritizes the preservation of local traditions and social stability and is characterized by its flexibility in accommodating regional variations and customary practices.
The Shafi’i Madh-hab:
The Shafi’i madh-hab, founded by Imam Shafi’i, emphasizes the harmonization of the Quran, Sunnah, consensus (ijma), and analogical reasoning (qiyas). It gives importance to the hadith literature and employs rigorous methodologies for the analysis and interpretation of legal texts. The Shafi’i school emphasizes the need for scholarly expertise and meticulous adherence to textual evidence, aiming for a balanced approach to legal rulings.
The Hanbali Madh-hab:
The Hanbali madh-hab, named after Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, emphasizes a strict adherence to the Quran, Sunnah, and the practice of the early Muslim community. It places strong emphasis on the hadith literature and the opinions of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The Hanbali school upholds a conservative approach, giving priority to textual evidence and resisting excessive interpretation or reliance on human reasoning.
Compilation of Fiqh:
The compilation of fiqh within the four madh-habs involves the collection, analysis, and synthesis of legal rulings from various sources. Scholars meticulously studied the Quran, Sunnah, hadith literature, consensus (ijma), and analogical reasoning (qiyas) to derive legal principles and rulings. The compilation process aimed to provide practical guidance for Muslims in various aspects of life, including worship, transactions, family law, and criminal law.
While the madh-habs have similarities in their adherence to the primary sources of Islamic law, they also exhibit variations in legal opinions due to different methodologies, interpretations, and local considerations. The compilation of fiqh within these schools reflects the scholarly efforts to interpret and apply the principles of Islam to address the diverse needs of the Muslim community.
Conclusion:
The four madh-habs—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—serve as comprehensive frameworks for the compilation of fiqh within the Islamic legal tradition. While they share common foundations, they also exhibit differences in methodologies and legal opinions. These madh-habs represent the scholarly efforts to derive practical guidance from the Quran, Sunnah, and other sources.
ISLAMIC LAWS 