Schools of Thought

The largest Sunni school of law, founded on the teachings of Imam Abu Hanifa. Known for systematic reasoning and giving weight to analogy (qiyas) and juristic preference (istihsan).

A Sunni school of law founded on the teachings of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, emphasising strict reliance on the Quran and hadith and caution toward speculative reasoning.

A Sunni school of law founded on the teachings of Imam Malik ibn Anas. Distinctive for using the practice of the people of Medina as a source of law.

A Sunni school of law founded on the teachings of Imam al-Shafi'i, who systematised the principles of jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) into a coherent method.

Al-Nu'man ibn Thabit (d. 767 CE), the eponymous founder of the Hanafi school, a renowned jurist of Kufa often called "the Greatest Imam" (al-Imam al-A'zam).

Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855 CE), founder of the Hanbali school, a leading hadith scholar and author of the Musnad, famed for his steadfastness during the Mihna.

Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i (d. 820 CE), founder of the Shafi'i school and author of al-Risala, the foundational text of Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh).

Malik ibn Anas (d. 795 CE), founder of the Maliki school and compiler of al-Muwatta, one of the earliest collections of hadith and law, based in Medina.

The principal school of law of Twelver Shia Islam, named after Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq. It recognises additional sources such as the teachings of the Imams.

A jurist qualified to derive legal rulings directly from the primary sources through independent reasoning (ijtihad).

Following the rulings of a qualified jurist or school of law without examining the detailed evidence oneself — the normal practice of lay Muslims.

A major Sunni school of theology founded by Abu al-Hasan al-Ash'ari, balancing reason and revelation; widely followed alongside the Maturidi school.

A school of Sunni theology that adheres to the literal texts (athar) of the Quran and Sunnah on matters of creed, avoiding speculative interpretation; associated with the Hanbali tradition.

The "branches" of jurisprudence — the detailed, practical rulings of worship and dealings, as distinct from usul al-fiqh (the roots or methodology).

A distinct school of Islam, neither Sunni nor Shia, that is the predominant tradition in Oman. It traces back to the early Kharijite movement but developed moderate doctrines.

A branch of Shia Islam that recognises Isma'il ibn Ja'far as the appointed Imam, known for its esoteric (batini) interpretation of religious texts.

Juristic preference — departing from a strict analogy in favour of a ruling that better serves justice or need. A secondary source emphasised by the Hanafi school.

Considering public interest (maslaha) where the texts are silent, to reach rulings that serve human welfare. A principle especially associated with the Maliki school.

A major Sunni school of theology founded by Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, especially associated with the Hanafi school and giving a defined role to reason in faith.

An early rationalist school of Islamic theology that emphasised reason and free will and held the Quran to be created. Largely historical, it shaped many theological debates.

A qualified scholar who issues formal legal opinions (fatwas) in response to questions, applying the principles of his school to new cases.

One who practises taqlid — a follower who adopts a jurist's or school's rulings rather than deriving them independently.

A judge in an Islamic court who applies the rulings of his school of law to settle disputes and administer justice.

Combining rulings from different schools of law within a single act of worship or transaction — a debated practice in Islamic jurisprudence.

Local custom and accepted practice, recognised as a source of rulings in matters the texts leave open, provided it does not contradict the Sharia.

A Shia school named after Zayd ibn Ali, widespread in Yemen. In law it is often considered the closest of the Shia schools to Sunni jurisprudence.

An early Sunni school named after Imam al-Awza'i of Syria, once dominant in the Levant and Andalusia before being absorbed by the Maliki and Shafi'i schools.

Presumption of continuity — a ruling established in the past is presumed to remain in force until proof shows it has changed. A recognised legal principle across the schools.

Blocking the means — prohibiting an otherwise permissible act because it reliably leads to something forbidden. A principle especially emphasised by the Maliki and Hanbali schools.

A largely historical Sunni school founded by Dawud al-Zahiri that rejects analogy (qiyas), holding strictly to the literal (zahir) meaning of the Quran and hadith.