(Part 22)
The Fourth Topic
The Fifth Speech:
Imitation in Society
The First Speech: Islamic Schools of Thought
The Meaning of “Madhhab” in Language:
The word madhhab in its literal sense means path, intention, opinion, or belief. (Omar, 1429 AH, vol. 1, p. 825)
The Meaning of “Madhhab” in the Terminology of Theologians:
In theological terms, madhhab refers to a specific method in understanding doctrinal issues, where differences arise from the interpretation of logical premises or the apparent meaning of the Qur’an. (Abadani, 2009 CE, vol. 1, p. 13)
The Meaning of “Madhhab” in the Terminology of Jurists:
Among jurists, madhhab refers to following the jurisprudential method of a mujtahid based on narration or independent reasoning (ijtihad). (Al-Jurjani, 1405 AH, p. 106)
Ijtihad in Islam is considered a commendable and legitimate endeavor. Even during the Prophet’s lifetime, the Companions often exercised ijtihad. After the Prophet’s death, the Companions, Tabi’un (followers), and Tabi’ al-Tabi’in (followers of the followers) practiced ijtihad in situations where no clear text was available. These judgments, influenced by their knowledge and reasoning, led to differing opinions. After the martyrdom of Uthman (RA), the disagreements among Muslims intensified, resulting in the formation of three major groups: Shia, Kharijites, and Ahl al-Sunnah (Sunnis).
The primary cause of these divisions was political—the question of caliphate and leadership—which eventually led to the emergence of various jurisprudential schools and sects. Some of these schools, such as those founded by Imam al-Layth ibn Sa’d, Imam al-Tabari, and Imam al-Awza’i, were not formally compiled by their followers, while others developed into well-documented and widely followed schools. These eight major schools include:
Shia: Imami (Twelvers), Ismaili, Zaydi
Kharijites: Ibadi
Sunni: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali, Zahiri
The Imami Shia believe that the Prophet (PBUH) designated Ali and his descendants as rightful successors. They consider their Imams infallible and differ from Sunnis in many jurisprudential rulings, including their rejection of analogical reasoning (qiyas). This school is prevalent in Iraq, Iran, and other Islamic countries. The Ismaili Shia are a branch of the Imami sect, mainly found in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Zaydi Shia, attributed to Zayd ibn Ali Zayn al-Abidin ibn al-Husayn, do not believe in designated Imams. Any pious, knowledgeable, and courageous Fatimid descendant can be an Imam. They are the most moderate among the Shia, differing from Sunnis in various legal matters. Their sect is divided into Qasimiya, Nasiriya, and Hadiya branches, with many followers in Yemen.
Ibadi Islam, attributed to Abdullah ibn Ibad (d. 80 AH), is a moderate Kharijite sect that allows the community to elect their leader. They share many legal views with Sunnis and have a presence in Oman.
The Hanafi school, founded by Imam Abu Hanifa al-Nu’man ibn Thabit (d. 150 AH), relies on the Quran, Sunnah, consensus (ijma’), the statements of the Companions, analogical reasoning (qiyas), and juristic preference (istihsan). This school has a significant following in Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
The Maliki school, founded by Imam Malik ibn Anas (d. 179 AH), emphasizes the Quran, Sunnah, consensus, analogical reasoning, practices of the people of Medina, and public interest (masalih mursala). Its followers are mainly in Egypt, Sudan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and North Africa.
The Shafi’i school was established by Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi’i (d. 204 AH). Its foundations include the Quran, Sunnah, consensus, the statements of the Companions, and analogical reasoning. It is widespread in Egypt, Palestine, Hadramaut, and Indonesia.
The Hanbali school, founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 241 AH), relies on the Quran, Sunnah, the statements of the Companions, mursal hadith, and analogical reasoning. It is mostly followed in Saudi Arabia.
The Zahiri school was founded by Abu Sulayman Dawud ibn Ali al-Isfahani (d. 270 AH), characterized by strict adherence to the literal meaning of the Quran and Sunnah and rejection of personal reasoning or analogy. One of its prominent scholars was Ibn Hazm of Andalusia.