urf

Urf, from the Arabic word عُرْف (custom or habit), is a legal and social concept meaning the customary practices of a community. In Islamic jurisprudence, urf is recognized as a potential source of law that can guide interpretation and decision-making when explicit texts are silent or ambiguous. It operates as the customary, non-religious practices accepted by a given society, provided they do not contradict the Qur’an or the Sunnah.

In classical fiqh, different schools acknowledge urf to varying degrees. The Maliki and, in some contexts, the Hanafi traditions give substantial weight to local custom in matters of contract, commerce, and daily life, while other schools stress textual evidence more strongly. Across the spectrum, urf is seen as a tool to adapt Islamic law to changing circumstances, to fill gaps left by explicit texts, and to reflect the practical realities of a community—so long as the custom remains consistent with overarching sharia principles.

Urf is not universal law; it can be overridden by clear prohibitions or principles derived from revelation, and it is subject to the limits of justice and public welfare. Modern Muslim-majority states often incorporate urf into civil and commercial codes, recognizing customary practices in areas such as property transactions, family law, and business dealings, while aligning them with Sharia and constitutional norms. Critics warn that reliance on urf can entrench outdated or discriminatory practices if not carefully scrutinized.

See also: fiqh, qiyas, ijma, sharia, customary law.