râfiten

Râfiten is a term used to describe a specific type of Islamic jurisprudence, often associated with Shi'a Islam. It is derived from the Arabic word "rafada," which can mean to reject or to support. In the context of Islamic law, râfiten refers to a methodology or legal school that is distinct from the Sunnī schools of thought.

The primary distinction lies in their approach to the hadith, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Râfiten jurisprudence often places greater emphasis on the hadith narrated by individuals considered to be from the lineage of the Prophet's family, known as the Ahl al-Bayt. This is in contrast to Sunnī schools, which generally accept a broader range of hadith narrators.

This reliance on specific chains of transmission for hadith leads to differences in legal interpretations and rulings on various matters of Islamic practice, such as prayer, fasting, marriage, and inheritance. The historical development of râfiten jurisprudence is closely tied to the theological and political divergences within early Islam.

While the term "râfiten" is sometimes used by opponents to denote a perceived deviation, adherents of this jurisprudential approach often identify with specific schools of thought within Shi'a Islam, such as Ja'fari jurisprudence. The core principles revolve around adhering to the teachings of the Imams, who are believed to be the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad.