Islamic jurisprudence, also known as fiqh, is the human understanding and interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia). It refers to the body of Islamic legal rulings derived from theological principles in the Quran and Sunnah. fiqh is developed through independent reasoning (ijtihad) by Islamic scholars, using prescribed methodologies and principles. It represents scholarly consensus (ijma) on how to implement broad Islamic principles in specific cases and contexts.
There are different schools of fiqh within Islam, based on the legal methodologies and reasoning of different scholars through history. The major schools are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali. fiqh covers all aspects of human activity, from rituals and worship to family relations, politics, transactions, and criminal matters. It provides Islamic rulings to govern Muslims’ spiritual and worldly lives.
Islamic jurisprudence continues to develop and evolve as scholars interpret religious texts in light of new contexts, issues and knowledge. However, fiqh must always defer to the core principles and spirit of Islamic law.
Fiqh is not considered the primary sources of Islam – that role belongs to the Quran and Sunnah. Rather, fiqh represents human efforts to comprehend and articulate Islamic legal rulings based on the primary sources. differences in fiqh between scholars and schools of thought are considered natural and acceptable in Islam. But there remains an underlying unity grounded in adherence to the Quran and Sunnah.
Fiqh is necessary to apply broad Islamic principles to the concrete realities of life and varying human situations. But it remains subordinate to the Quran and Sunnah as its basis.
Fiqh represents a reasoned, scholarly effort to derive legal rulings to govern Muslims’ spiritual and mundane affairs. But these rulings must always comply with the overarching objectives and spirit of Sharia.
Major topics in fiqh include ‘ibadat (acts of worship), mu’amalat (transactions and contracts), ‘uqubat (punishments), and hudud (limits imposed by Allah). Fiqh aims to provide rulings for all aspects of Muslim life.
The different schools of fiqh mostly differ on more detailed legal rulings, while agreeing on broader principles and many specific rulings. Differences are largely due to interpreting religious proofs in different ways.
Scholars within the same school of fiqh also sometimes differ on specific issues of fiqh. This is considered acceptable as long as differences remain respectful and grounded in religious evidence. new issues and contexts continually emerge, requiring ongoing ijtihad and legal reasoning by qualified scholars. But solutions must always comply with Islamic principles and objectives.
Islamic jurisprudence continues to evolve and develop as scholars reinterpret classical teachings in light of present issues and knowledge. But its foundation remains the Quran and Sunnah.
