Madrhab

A Madhhab is a school of Islamic jurisprudence. It represents a distinct methodology for interpreting Islamic law, known as Sharia, and deriving legal rulings from its primary sources. These sources are the Quran and the Sunnah (the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). There are several prominent Madhhabs within Sunni Islam, each founded by a renowned scholar and characterized by its own unique set of principles and interpretations.

The four most widely recognized Sunni Madhhabs are the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools. While they all adhere to the fundamental principles of Islamic law, they may differ in their approaches to legal reasoning, the weight given to certain hadith, and the application of analogical reasoning (qiyas). For example, the Hanafi school is known for its extensive use of reason and juristic preference, while the Hanbali school tends to be more literal in its interpretation of texts.

The development of Madhhabs arose from the need to address the myriad of legal questions and practical situations that arose within Muslim societies over centuries. Scholars developed systematic methods to extract rulings, ensuring consistency and providing guidance for daily life. Adherence to a particular Madhhab has historically been a matter of personal choice, and Muslims may follow the rulings of the Madhhab that best aligns with their understanding and practice. These schools have played a crucial role in the preservation, development, and systematic study of Islamic law.