Fiqh Glossary

Definitions in this guide:

Basic Fiqh Terms

The Four Sunni Schools of Thought

Fiqh Ruling Classifications

Sources of Islamic Law

Hadith Classifications for Islamic Law

Basic Fiqh Terms

Madhhab

A school of thought or jurisprudence in Islamic law, e.g., Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali.

Fiqh

Islamic jurisprudence, the understanding and interpretation of Islamic law.

Shariah

Islamic law, derived firstly from the Quran and Hadith, governing all aspects of life.

Sunnah

The practices and habits of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serving as a model for Muslims, and a primary source to derive Islamic law.

Fatwa

A ruling or opinion on Islamic law, issued by a qualified scholar or mufti.

Mufti

A scholar who issues fatwas, providing guidance on Islamic law.

Ijtihad

Independent reasoning or interpretation of Islamic law, performed by qualified scholars.

Hukm

A ruling or judgment in Islamic law.

The Four Sunni Schools of Thought

Hanafi

A Sunni school of thought founded by Abu Hanifa, known for its relatively flexible approach.

Shafi'i

A Sunni school of thought founded by Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i, emphasizing the Quran and Hadith.

Hanbali

A Sunni school of thought founded by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, known for its strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith.

Maliki

A Sunni school of thought founded by Malik ibn Anas, focusing on the practices of the people of Medina.

Fiqh Ruling Classifications

Fard

An obligation or duty, e.g., the five daily prayers.

Wajib

In the Hanafi madhhab, a duty or obligation considered mandatory but with a slightly lower level of obligation than 'fard'. While both wajib and fard are obligatory, the main difference lies in the evidence and certainty behind each. Fard refers to obligations established by definitive evidence from the Quran or Hadith, leaving no room for doubt. Wajib, on the other hand, is based on strong, yet not definitive, evidence, such as a widely reported Hadith or a clear deduction from a Quranic verse. In practice, wajib acts are still highly emphasized and required, but the distinction affects the level of certainty and the implications for certain rulings.

Sunnah Mu'akkadah

Emphasized Sunnah practices, highly recommended but not obligatory.

Mustahabb

Mustahabb: Recommended or praiseworthy actions, encouraged but not required.

Mubah

Permissible actions, neither recommended nor discouraged.

Makrooh

Disapproved or discouraged actions, not prohibited but better avoided.

Makrooh Tahrimi

In the Hanafi madhhab, a strongly disapproved or reprehensible act, close to being haram (forbidden). In the Hanafi school, committing a makruh tahrimi act may incur sin, and avoiding it is highly recommended.

Makrooh Tanzihi

In the Hanafi madhhab, a disapproved or undesirable act, though not sinful. Makruh tanzihi acts are discouraged but not forbidden, and avoiding them is considered better.

Haram

Forbidden actions, prohibited by Islamic law.

Bid'ah

Innovation in the religion, or deviation from traditional Islamic practices, often considered most undesirable.

Shirk

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Sources of Islamic Law

Quran

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Sunnah

The practices and habits of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serving as a model for Muslims, and a primary source to derive Islamic law.

Ijma'

Consensus of the Sahaba or scholars, considered a source of guidance and Islamic law.

Qiyas

Analogical reasoning, used to derive rulings for new situations based on existing precedents.

Fiqh Glossary

Madhhab

A school of thought or jurisprudence in Islamic law, e.g., Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali.

Fiqh

Islamic jurisprudence, the understanding and interpretation of Islamic law.

Shariah

Islamic law, derived firstly from the Quran and Hadith, governing all aspects of life.

Sunnah

The practices and habits of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serving as a model for Muslims, and a primary source to derive Islamic law.

Fatwa

A ruling or opinion on Islamic law, issued by a qualified scholar or mufti.

Mufti

A scholar who issues fatwas, providing guidance on Islamic law.

Ijtihad

Independent reasoning or interpretation of Islamic law, performed by qualified scholars.

Hukm

A ruling or judgment in Islamic law.

Hanafi

A Sunni school of thought founded by Abu Hanifa, known for its relatively flexible approach.

Shafi'i

A Sunni school of thought founded by Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i, emphasizing the Quran and Hadith.

Hanbali

A Sunni school of thought founded by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, known for its strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith.

Maliki

A Sunni school of thought founded by Malik ibn Anas, focusing on the practices of the people of Medina.

Fard

An obligation or duty, e.g., the five daily prayers.

Wajib

Sunnah Mu'akkadah

Emphasized Sunnah practices, highly recommended but not obligatory.

Mustahabb

Mustahabb: Recommended or praiseworthy actions, encouraged but not required.

Mubah

Permissible actions, neither recommended nor discouraged.

Makrooh

Disapproved or discouraged actions, not prohibited but better avoided.

Makrooh Tahrimi

In the Hanafi madhhab, a strongly disapproved or reprehensible act, close to being haram (forbidden). In the Hanafi school, committing a makruh tahrimi act may incur sin, and avoiding it is highly recommended.

Makrooh Tanzihi

In the Hanafi madhhab, a disapproved or undesirable act, though not sinful. Makruh tanzihi acts are discouraged but not forbidden, and avoiding them is considered better.

Haram

Forbidden actions, prohibited by Islamic law.

Bid'ah

Innovation in the religion, or deviation from traditional Islamic practices, often considered most undesirable.

Shirk

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Quran

test

Sunnah

The practices and habits of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serving as a model for Muslims, and a primary source to derive Islamic law.

Ijma'

Consensus of the Sahaba or scholars, considered a source of guidance and Islamic law.

Qiyas

Analogical reasoning, used to derive rulings for new situations based on existing precedents.

Quran

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Quran

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Quran

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Sahih

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Hasan

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