madhabs

Madhab (plural madhahib) is a term in Islamic jurisprudence that refers to a school or method of legal reasoning and rulings (fiqh). A madhab provides a coherent framework for interpreting religious sources, particularly the Quran and the Sunnah, and for applying them to questions of worship, family law, commerce, and other aspects of daily life.

In Sunni Islam, four major madhahib emerged between the 8th and 10th centuries CE: Hanafi (Abu Hanifa), Maliki (Malik ibn Anas), Shafi'i (Muhammad al-Shafi'i), and Hanbali (Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Each school systematized hadith collections, principles of reasoning (such as qiyas, ijma, and sometimes istihsan), and juristic methodology to produce legal rulings. While they differ in methods and emphasis, they share core sources and core beliefs about Islam.

Beyond the four Sunni schools, other Islamic traditions maintain their own jurisprudential frameworks. The Ja'fari school is associated with Shia Islam and follows different categorizations of authority, usul al-fiqh, and hadith sources. Ibadis have their own distinct approach as well. Historically, there were additional smaller or now-obsolete schools; today the four Sunni madhahib and the Ja'fari school are the most widely known.

A madhab is not a sect but a methodological tradition within Islam. Many Muslims historically followed a single madhab, especially for personal legal matters, while others have engaged in cross-madhab practice or direct independent reasoning (ijtihad) in certain circumstances. In modern times, madhahib continue to influence education, judicial systems, and daily religious practice in various regions.