In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Introduction:
Islamic jurisprudence, known as fiqh, has developed through various schools of thought across different regions and time periods. In this article, we will explore the comparison between the fiqh of Iraq and the Hijaz, the Laythi madhab, the Thawri madhab, the reasons for their disappearance, and the Shafi’i madhab. Furthermore, we will compare the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i schools of thought.
- Comparison between the Fiqh of Iraq and Hijaz:
The fiqh of Iraq and the Hijaz emerged as two prominent schools of thought due to the geographic and historical factors influencing these regions. The fiqh of Iraq was influenced by the teachings of renowned scholars like Abu Hanifa and his school, while the fiqh of the Hijaz drew heavily from the practices and opinions of the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) and the scholars of Medina.
The fiqh of Iraq placed emphasis on rational reasoning and analogical deduction (qiyas) in deriving legal rulings, while the fiqh of the Hijaz focused more on textual evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah, particularly the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Companions.
- Laythi Madhab:
The Laythi madhab was founded by Imam Layth ibn Sa’d, who was a prominent jurist of the 8th century. This madhab gained popularity in parts of North Africa and Andalusia but eventually became less influential over time. The Laythi madhab followed a moderate approach, combining rational analysis with adherence to the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the opinions of the Companions. - Thawri Madhab:
The Thawri madhab was founded by Imam Sufyan al-Thawri, who was a renowned jurist of the 8th century. This madhab was influential in the regions of Iraq, Syria, and the Hijaz during its time. The Thawri madhab emphasized adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah, focusing on the textual evidence in deriving legal rulings. However, the Thawri madhab gradually disappeared over time.
Reasons for their disappearance:
The disappearance of certain madhabs, including the Laythi and Thawri madhabs, can be attributed to various factors. These include the rise of other prominent madhabs, political and social changes, migration of scholars, and the consolidation of legal opinions within more widespread schools of thought.
- Shafi’i Madhab:
The Shafi’i madhab was founded by Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi’i, who was a prominent scholar of the 9th century. This madhab gained widespread acceptance and became one of the four major schools of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence. The Shafi’i madhab is known for its comprehensive methodology, combining textual evidence, analogy, and juristic reasoning in deriving legal rulings. It has a significant following in Southeast Asia, parts of Africa, and the Levant. - Comparison between Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i:
The Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i schools of thought are the three major Sunni madhabs. Each of these madhabs has its distinct methodologies, principles, and interpretations, contributing to the richness and diversity of Islamic jurisprudence.
The Hanafi madhab, founded by Imam Abu Hanifa,
Saudi Arabia Bank 