Hanbalism

Hanbalism is one of the four major schools of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, known as *madhhabs*. It was founded by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, an Arab scholar and theologian who lived from 780 to 855 CE. The Hanbali school places a strong emphasis on the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad) as the primary sources of Islamic law. Scholars within this school are known for their rigorous adherence to the literal interpretations of these texts, often favoring Hadith over analogical reasoning (*qiyas*) when there is a perceived conflict or lack of explicit textual guidance.

Ahmad ibn Hanbal compiled a vast collection of Hadith, known as the Musnad Ahmad, which is a foundational text for the school. Hanbalism is characterized by its conservative approach to legal matters and its cautious use of *ijtihad*, or independent legal reasoning. While it was once more widespread, its influence waned over centuries, though it experienced a resurgence in the 18th century with the rise of the Wahhabi movement in Arabia, which is largely based on Hanbali principles. Today, Hanbalism is the official school of jurisprudence in Saudi Arabia and has a significant following in other parts of the Muslim world, particularly in the Gulf region. Its adherents generally hold conservative views on social and legal issues, prioritizing tradition and textual evidence.