Hanefî

Hanefî refers to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, one of the four major Sunni Islamic legal schools. It was founded by Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man ibn Thabit, who lived in Kufa, Iraq, in the 8th century CE. The Hanafi school is known for its emphasis on reason and analogical deduction (qiyas) in interpreting Islamic law, in addition to the Quran and Sunnah.

Followers of the Hanafi school are found in large numbers across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, Turkey, and parts of Africa. Its methodology often prioritizes intellectual reasoning and considers local customs and circumstances when applying Islamic legal principles. This approach has made it adaptable to various cultural contexts throughout history.

Key distinguishing features of the Hanafi school include its reliance on the opinions of Abu Hanifa and his prominent students, such as Abu Yusuf and Muhammad al-Shaybani. They are known for their detailed discussions on fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and their systematic approach to legal matters. The Hanafi madhhab (school of thought) has played a significant role in shaping Islamic legal traditions and continues to be a widely followed legal framework for Muslims worldwide.