Hanbalis

The Hanbali school of thought is one of the four major Sunni Islamic legal traditions. Founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780-855 CE), it is known for its strict adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). Ibn Hanbal was a renowned scholar and hadith collector, and his jurisprudence is heavily based on the literal interpretation of these primary sources.

This school places a strong emphasis on hadith, often considering them as authoritative as the Quran in matters of law. While other schools might also use reason (qiyas) and scholarly consensus (ijma) more extensively, the Hanbali school tends to prioritize explicit textual evidence from hadith. This approach has led to its reputation for conservatism and a rigorous application of Islamic law.

Historically, the Hanbali school gained significant prominence in the region of Najd in Arabia, and its teachings are a foundational element of Wahhabism, a movement that emerged in the 18th century. Despite its relatively smaller number of adherents compared to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi'i schools, the Hanbali madhhab remains influential, particularly in Saudi Arabia and parts of the Persian Gulf. Its followers are characterized by their commitment to tradition and a cautious approach to legal innovation.