Evolution of Islamic Schools of Thought المذاهب

Evolution and Development

By A.S. Hashim. MD

الرحيم الرحمن الله الرحيم بـســـم الرحمن الله بـســـم

Two Two BranchesBranches of Islam of Islam

The Shi’aThe Shi’a

and and

The SunniThe Sunni

Statistics as of 1996:Statistics as of 1996:

SHI’A SHI’A …………………………………….....….. 282 …………………………………….....….. 282 MillionsMillions

SUNNISUNNI1.1. Hanafi …………….…………………...………. 380 Hanafi …………….…………………...………. 380 MillionsMillions

2.2. Maaliki ………………………………......….…. 305 Maaliki ………………………………......….…. 305 MillionsMillions

3.3. Shafi’i ………………………………………….. 190 Shafi’i ………………………………………….. 190 MillionsMillions

4.4. Hanbali ……………………………….......…….. 52 Hanbali ……………………………….......…….. 52 MillionsMillions

At the Prophet’s Time

No Schools of ThoughtNo Schools of Thought

The Prophet did refer to Ali and his Shi’a on a The Prophet did refer to Ali and his Shi’a on a few occasionsfew occasions

The Companions were called SahaabaThe Companions were called Sahaaba

The Sahaaba were generic and of various The Sahaaba were generic and of various ranksranks

Ali’s adherents were called Ali’s adherents were called Al‑KhaassahAl‑Khaassah, , الخاصهالخاصه

After the death of the ProphetAfter the death of the Prophet

Many Sahaaba adhered to Ali's demeanor:Many Sahaaba adhered to Ali's demeanor:

Explanation of the SunnahExplanation of the Sunnah

Hadith and Interpretation of Quranic Hadith and Interpretation of Quranic intricacies.intricacies.

Such luminaries increased graduallySuch luminaries increased gradually

Named Named Al‑Khaassah, الخاصه meaning the meaning the distinctive, or the special. distinctive, or the special. 

These people became known as Al‑Shi'a.  These people became known as Al‑Shi'a. 

The rest of the Muslim world

Al‑Aammah, Al‑Aammah, العامهالعامه     meant the general public meant the general public

As Mu'awiya became Khalifa (ruler), he As Mu'awiya became Khalifa (ruler), he promoted the term Al‑Jama'ah promoted the term Al‑Jama'ah الجماعهالجماعه

Al‑Jama'ah Al‑Jama'ah الجماعهالجماعه was used to gain support was used to gain support for Mu’awiyafor Mu’awiya

About 150 years later, the term Jama'ah was About 150 years later, the term Jama'ah was modified modified

Al‑Sunnah wal Jama'ah  Al‑Sunnah wal Jama'ah   والجماعه والجماعه السنه Was . Was .السنهused up to the 3rd century H.used up to the 3rd century H.

When the Madh’habs When the Madh’habs المذاهبالمذاهب were in a fluxwere in a flux

By 3rd century H. the term was changedBy 3rd century H. the term was changed

Ahlul SunnahAhlul Sunnah    السنه السنه اهل السنه السنه replaced replaced  اهلالسنه    Ahlul SunnahAhlul Sunnah والجماعهوالجماعه السنه اهل was used for was used for    اهلthe four Sunni Schools of Thought.the four Sunni Schools of Thought.

By the year 250H the four Sunni Schools were By the year 250H the four Sunni Schools were popularized and patronized by:popularized and patronized by:

the Abbasi government, the Abbasi government,

their own enthusiaststheir own enthusiasts

The The existingexisting Schools of Thought by this stretch of Schools of Thought by this stretch of time were:time were:

Ja'fari, as headed by Imam Al‑Saadiq.Ja'fari, as headed by Imam Al‑Saadiq.

Sunni:Sunni:1.1. Hanafi, as headed by Abu HanifaHanafi, as headed by Abu Hanifa

2.2. Maaliki, as headed by Malik Ibn Anas.Maaliki, as headed by Malik Ibn Anas.

3.3. Shafi'i, as headed by Ibn Idrees Al‑Shafi'i.Shafi'i, as headed by Ibn Idrees Al‑Shafi'i.

4.4. Hanbali, as headed by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.Hanbali, as headed by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.

Holy Quran

Tradition (Sunnah) of the Prophet

Shi’a Sunni

Hanafi

Maaliki

Shafi’i

Hanbali

Ja’fari (Ithna Ashari)

The The Vanished Schools of Thought Schools of Thought

1.1. Madh'hab of Al‑Thawri renowned for 2 Madh'hab of Al‑Thawri renowned for 2 centuries centuries

2.2. Madh'hab of Ibn U'yainah, renowned for 3 Madh'hab of Ibn U'yainah, renowned for 3 centuriescenturies

3.3. Madh'hab of Aw'zaa'i, followed for more than Madh'hab of Aw'zaa'i, followed for more than one century.one century.

4.4. Madh'hab of Dawood Ibn Ali Al‑Dhaahiri, Madh'hab of Dawood Ibn Ali Al‑Dhaahiri, followed for several centuries.followed for several centuries.   

What is Shi’i and What is Sunni?

  

A Shi'i is a devotee of the Prophet’s A Shi'i is a devotee of the Prophet’s Sunnah as passed down by Ahlul BaytSunnah as passed down by Ahlul Bayt

A Sunni is a person who follows mostly A Sunni is a person who follows mostly the Sunnah of the Prophet as passed the Sunnah of the Prophet as passed down by the Sahaabadown by the Sahaaba

The Shi‘i Person

A devotee of Sunnah of the Prophet as taught by Ahlul A devotee of Sunnah of the Prophet as taught by Ahlul Bayt.  Bayt. 

Ahlul Bayt are the family of Muhammad Ahlul Bayt are the family of Muhammad

A Shi'i regards teaching of Ahlul Bayt as most A Shi'i regards teaching of Ahlul Bayt as most authentic authentic

A Shi'i believes in Imamah, as:A Shi'i believes in Imamah, as:

1.1. Divinely Commissioned, andDivinely Commissioned, and

2.2. Specified by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Specified by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). 

A Shi'i believes in A Shi'i believes in Ismah Ismah عصمهعصمه

Ismah Ismah عصمهعصمه

Ismah means Allah has shielded the Prophets and the Ismah means Allah has shielded the Prophets and the Designated Imams from:Designated Imams from:

a) Sin, a) Sin,

b) Religious Error, and b) Religious Error, and

c) Forgetfulness.c) Forgetfulness.

Sunni

A Sunni follows Sunnah of Prophet A Sunni follows Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad as passed down by Muhammad as passed down by Sahaaba and Scholars.  Sahaaba and Scholars. 

Sunnah of some Khulafaa is said to be Sunnah of some Khulafaa is said to be included in their teachings.  included in their teachings. 

A Sunni does not believe in Imamah.A Sunni does not believe in Imamah.

A Sunni does not believe in Ismah of the A Sunni does not believe in Ismah of the Imams.Imams.

Up to 150 years after the Prophet

The only evolving School of Thought was the The only evolving School of Thought was the Shi'a schoolShi'a school

It was passed down by Imam Ali, and the It was passed down by Imam Ali, and the Golden Chain of Narration

The Golden Chain of Narration consisted of consisted of Ali, Al‑Hasan, Al‑Husain, Zainul Abideen, Ali, Al‑Hasan, Al‑Husain, Zainul Abideen, Al‑Baaqir, and Al‑SaadiqAl‑Baaqir, and Al‑Saadiq

Later they included the 12 ImamsLater they included the 12 Imams

The Golden Chain of Narration

The Imams were the direct lineage of Prophet The Imams were the direct lineage of Prophet Muhammad.Muhammad.

Quotes of the Imams were regarded as those of the Quotes of the Imams were regarded as those of the ProphetProphet

The Shi'a would acknowledge narrations by other The Shi'a would acknowledge narrations by other sources, as long as those narrations were confirmed sources, as long as those narrations were confirmed by Ahlul Baytby Ahlul Bayt

The Golden Chain of NarrationThe Golden Chain of Narration

Thousands of Hadiths were narrated and quoted Thousands of Hadiths were narrated and quoted by Ahlul Baytby Ahlul BaytEach Imam said,Each Imam said,"My Hadith is the Hadith of my father, and his is "My Hadith is the Hadith of my father, and his is

the Hadith of his father, up to Ali, who directly the Hadith of his father, up to Ali, who directly narrated the Hadith from Prophet Muhammad "narrated the Hadith from Prophet Muhammad "  This is the This is the Golden Chain of NarrationGolden Chain of Narration. . السلسه السلسه

الذهبيهالذهبيهThese Hadiths were of immense importance, These Hadiths were of immense importance, since they corrected the inaccuracies and set since they corrected the inaccuracies and set right the corruption that crept into this science.   right the corruption that crept into this science.   

Ali From the Prophet

Zainul Abideen From his Father

Muhammad (pbuh)

Al-Husain From his Father

Al-Hasan From his Father

Al-Baaqir From his Father

Al-Saadiq From his Father

Al-Ridha From his Father

Al-Kadhim From his Father

Al-Jawaad From his Father

Al-Haadi From his Father

Al-Askari From his Father

The Golden Chain of Narration

Benu Umayya then Benu AbbasBenu Umayya then Benu Abbas

Ahlul Bayt regarded the government of Ahlul Bayt regarded the government of the time as invalid (unlawful) the time as invalid (unlawful) Consequently, Collision with the Consequently, Collision with the government caused turmoilgovernment caused turmoilAhlul Bayt adamantly refrained from Ahlul Bayt adamantly refrained from playing politics with Islam.playing politics with Islam.Thus Ahlul Bayt and their devotees Thus Ahlul Bayt and their devotees suffered grievously at the hands of some suffered grievously at the hands of some Khalifas.Khalifas.

        Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Ja'fari is:Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Ja'fari is:

The general summation of the Fiqh (rules The general summation of the Fiqh (rules and regulations) as taught by Ahlul Bayt,and regulations) as taught by Ahlul Bayt,

Among other things Fiqh deals with:Among other things Fiqh deals with:1.1. tawhid, elements of faith, tawhid, elements of faith,

2.2. elements of worship (pillars of Islam), elements of worship (pillars of Islam),

3.3. the halal and haram, the halal and haram,

4.4. ethics, and dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).ethics, and dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).

Al-Saadiq taught:Al-Saadiq taught:

1.1. Sciences of the Quran and Tafseer, Sciences of the Quran and Tafseer, القـران القـران علـوم علـوموالتـفــسـيـروالتـفــسـيـر

2.2. Fiqh and Jurisprudence Fiqh and Jurisprudence 3.3. Seerah of the Prophet (pbuhSeerah of the Prophet (pbuh),  الســيـره 4.4. Hadith, Hadith, الحديثالحديث   5.5. Islamic philosophy Islamic philosophy االسـالمـيه االسـالمـيه الفلـســـفه الفلـســـفه6.6. Science of Kalaam,   Science of Kalaam,    الــكالم الــكالم عـلم عـلم7.7. Chemistry,  Chemistry,  الكيمياءالكيمياء and Biology  and Biology   الطــبـيـعـه الطــبـيـعـه علـوم علـوم8.8. Arabic Language,   Arabic Language,   الـعــربـيـه الـعــربـيـه اللـغــه Grammar Grammar اللـغــه

and literary worksand literary works9.9. Arabic literature   Arabic literature   الـفـصــاحـهالـفـصــاحـه and poetryand poetryالـشــعرالـشــعر ..

The Institute graduatesThe Institute graduatesEducational works of Al-Saadiq versus Al-BaaqirEducational works of Al-Saadiq versus Al-Baaqir

During Al-Saadiq’s time, During Al-Saadiq’s time, 4,000 Scholars 4,000 Scholars graduated.graduated.These Scholars wrote 400 These Scholars wrote 400 booksbooksThe 400 books were The 400 books were written during his life and written during his life and afterwards, up to 200H.afterwards, up to 200H.The graph shows relative The graph shows relative numbersnumbersThis remarkable growth This remarkable growth came only when pressure came only when pressure on Ahlul Bayt eased offon Ahlul Bayt eased off

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

At First Early days Middle Final period

Al-Baaqir Al-Saadiq

The ConnectionThe Connection

Al-Saadiq

Al-Shafi’i

Al-Hanbali

Abu Hanifa Al-Maaliki

Abu Yusuf and Al-Sheibani

Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Hanafi  

Consists of the Fiqh rules and Consists of the Fiqh rules and regulations as taught by Abu Hanifa.  It regulations as taught by Abu Hanifa.  It deals with:deals with:

1.1. tawhid, elements of faith, tawhid, elements of faith,

2.2. elements of worship (pillars of Islam), elements of worship (pillars of Islam),

3.3. the halal and haram, the halal and haram,

4.4. ethics, dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).ethics, dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).

Features of Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Hanafi 

Tends to put more emphasis on:Tends to put more emphasis on:1.1. Qiyas  Qiyas  القـيــاسالقـيــاس (Analogy) and (Analogy) and

2.2. Raa'y  Raa'y  الــرأىالــرأى (personal opinion) (personal opinion)

than an emphasis on Hadith choices, than an emphasis on Hadith choices, and the deductions therefrom.  and the deductions therefrom. 

Reason for Hanafi’s spread:

20-30 Yrs after Abu Hanifa had died20-30 Yrs after Abu Hanifa had died

Role of Abu Yusuf and Haroon al-RasheedRole of Abu Yusuf and Haroon al-Rasheed

Supported as a counterweight to Ahlul Bayt Supported as a counterweight to Ahlul Bayt influenceinfluence

Sheibani prolific writingsSheibani prolific writings

During the Ottoman's times, since only Hanafi During the Ottoman's times, since only Hanafi allowed Khilaafah for Turks (non-Arab)allowed Khilaafah for Turks (non-Arab)

Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Maaliki

Consists of the Fiqh as taught by Malik Ibn Anas.  It deals with:

1. tawhid, elements of faith,

2. elements of worship (pillars of Islam),

3. the halal and haram,

4. ethics, dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).

Features of Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Maaliki

Emphasizes the authenticity of the Hadith  Emphasizes the authenticity of the Hadith  اهل the care in its selection, and the , the care in its selection, and the , الحديثdeductions therefrom. deductions therefrom. 

Also used some degree of Qiyas (Analogy) Also used some degree of Qiyas (Analogy) and Raa'y (Personal opinion).and Raa'y (Personal opinion).

It began its popularity in the last quarter of the It began its popularity in the last quarter of the 22ndnd century H. century H.

Reason for its Spread:Reason for its Spread:

Al-Mansoor’s Support, to counterweigh the Al-Mansoor’s Support, to counterweigh the influence of Ahlul Baytinfluence of Ahlul Bayt

Appointing him as Chief Justice in MedinaAppointing him as Chief Justice in Medina

Writing Fiqh book, on condition not to mention Writing Fiqh book, on condition not to mention Imam Ali even once.Imam Ali even once.

Spread in Andalusia and North Africa with the Spread in Andalusia and North Africa with the help of Governmenthelp of Government

Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Shafi'i 

Consists of the Fiqh as taught by Al‑Shafi'iConsists of the Fiqh as taught by Al‑Shafi'i

It deals with:It deals with:

1.1. tawhid, elements of faith, tawhid, elements of faith,

2.2. elements of worship (pillars of Islam), elements of worship (pillars of Islam),

3.3. halal and haram, halal and haram,

4.4. ethics, dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).ethics, dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).

Features of Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Shafi'i

Uses some of the ways of Al‑Maaliki or Hanafi Uses some of the ways of Al‑Maaliki or Hanafi Madh'hab, i.e. less Qiyas or Raa'yMadh'hab, i.e. less Qiyas or Raa'y

Excels in technique of Istin'baat  Excels in technique of Istin'baat  اإلستنباطاإلستنباط (deductive reasoning) (deductive reasoning)

Al‑Shafi'i School of Thought began its Al‑Shafi'i School of Thought began its popularity around 190H and picked up steam popularity around 190H and picked up steam in the century that followed.in the century that followed.

Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Hanbali

Consists of the Fiqh as taught by Ahmad Ibn Consists of the Fiqh as taught by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.  Hanbal. 

It deals with:It deals with:

1.1. tawhid, elements of faith, tawhid, elements of faith,

2.2. elements of worship (pillars of Islam), elements of worship (pillars of Islam),

3.3. halal and haram, halal and haram,

4.4. ethics, dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).ethics, dealing with people (Mu'aamalat).

Features of Al‑Madh'hab Al‑Hanbali

It emphasizes taking the Hadith literally (blindly) to such an extent that they were called As'haab Al‑Hadith الحــدي ثاصحـــاب . 

It has almost no use for Qiyas (Analogy) or Raa'y (personal opinion).

Ahlul Hadith الحديث were known long time أهلbefore, but As'haab Al‑Hadith was the result of its evolution.

USOOL (FOUNDATION) OF FIQH USOOL (FOUNDATION) OF FIQH

Shi’aShi’a SunniSunni

Ja’fari Hanafi Maaliki Shafi’i Hanbali1. Quran,1. Quran,

2. Sunnah,2. Sunnah,

3. Al-Aql (sound 3. Al-Aql (sound reasoning or reasoning or perception of the perception of the Ja'fari Fiqh Ja'fari Fiqh Specialists),Specialists),

4. Ij'maa (consensus 4. Ij'maa (consensus of the religious of the religious scholars, not to be scholars, not to be exclusive of the exclusive of the Imams' teachings).Imams' teachings).

1. Quran, 1. Quran,

2. Sunnah, 2. Sunnah,

3. Ij'maa (consensus 3. Ij'maa (consensus of the religious of the religious scholars),scholars),

4. Qiyas (analogy of 4. Qiyas (analogy of decision), through decision), through the following steps: the following steps:

Istih'san (equity), Istih'san (equity),

Urf (common Urf (common knowledge)knowledge), ,

5. Raa'y (personal 5. Raa'y (personal opinion).opinion).

1. Quran, 1. Quran,

2. Sunnah, 2. Sunnah,

3.Ij'maa (consensus 3.Ij'maa (consensus of the religious of the religious scholars) scholars)

4.Qiyas (analogy), 4.Qiyas (analogy), through the following through the following steps:steps:

a. a. Istih'san (equity), Istih'san (equity),

b. Urf (common b. Urf (common knowledge), knowledge),

c. Consensus of c. Consensus of Medina U'lamaa, Medina U'lamaa,

d. Massaa'lih d. Massaa'lih Mursala (public Mursala (public interest), interest),

e. Sad al-Dhari'ah.e. Sad al-Dhari'ah.

1. Quran, 1. Quran,

2. Sunnah, 2. Sunnah,

3. Ij'maa' (consensus 3. Ij'maa' (consensus of the religious of the religious scholars)scholars)

4. Qiyas (analogy of 4. Qiyas (analogy of decision).decision).

1. Quran, 1. Quran,

2. Sunnah, 2. Sunnah,

3. If'taa of Sahaaba 3. If'taa of Sahaaba (Companions), (Companions),

4. Preference of 4. Preference of weak Hadith over weak Hadith over Qiyas (analogy), Qiyas (analogy),

5. Qiyas (analogy of 5. Qiyas (analogy of decision), through decision), through the following steps: the following steps:

a. Istis'haab, a. Istis'haab, (association), (association),

b. Massaa'lih b. Massaa'lih Mursala (public Mursala (public interest), interest),

c. al-Dharaa'i.c. al-Dharaa'i.

For More DetailsFor More Details

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Be in Allah’s CareBe in Allah’s Care

Thank you and May God Bless you.Thank you and May God Bless you.

Dr. A.S. HashimDr. A.S. Hashim