Usool ul Fiqh is essentially the science of studying the sources and principles of fiqh and understanding how to apply them in order to derive rulings on particular issues. Though this is done by a scholar/mujtahid, studying this subject will broaden one’s understanding and enable students to see the reasons for the differences of opinions amongst the scholars. In doing so, one is better equipped to understand and appreciate the process of ijtihaad, thus protect students from falling into the extreme of ‘madhab fanaticism’ whereby one completely closes the doors to ijtihaad. At a time when there is so much confusion regarding issues of taqleed and differences of opinion, this course is an essential for those who want clarification.
This course will look at the evidence for the key sources of the religion and give a detailed definition of each one. This course will also cover the five main legal maxims of fiqh (al-qawaa’id al-fiqhiyyah) and touch upon the higher objectives of the Shari’ah (al-maqaasid ash-Shari’ah) in order to enable students to appreciate the beautiful aspects of the Shari’ah and most importantly the One Who gave us this way of life which revolves around bringing about ease and maximising benefit.
This course is based on Imam As-Sa’di’s ‘Brief Essay Concerning Usool ul Fiqh’.
In this course you will learn:
- What are the different types of ahkaam that Allah is praised for?
- What are the characteristics of the scholars that make them of such high status and virtue?
- What are the main sources in Islam?
- How can we determine if something is fardh/haraam?
- Is there a difference between fardh and waajib?
- Are the scholars really more divided on issues than they are united?
- How do we define the term ‘Sunnah’?
- What role does the Sunnah play in Islam?
- Are we commanded to follow the Prophet sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa sallam in all issues?
- Do we have to leave all the actions that Rasoolullah sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa sallam left?
- How do we understand the language of the sources?
- How do we understand those texts which are very general?
- What do we do if there seem to be two conflicting evidences?
- Is it haraam to follow a madhab?
- What is abrogation?
Biography of Author:
The author of the course book is the eminent Shaykh, Abdur-Rahman ibn Nasir ibn Abdullaah ibn Hammad al-Sa’di, from the Banu Tamim tribe. He was an orphan from a young age, losing his mother when he was four and losing his father when he was seven.
The Shaykh completed memorising the Quran at the age of twelve and then devoted himself to the other religious sciences under the supervision of a number of eminent scholars in Saudi Arabia of his time. He was known for his worship, character, asceticism and humbleness. He was also well known for speaking little and only when there was benefit in doing so. He was very meticulous in knowing the differing juristic opinions over issues along with their proofs and then sifting out the strongest from amongst them.
Shaykh al-Sa’di devoted his life from the age of 23 to the age at which he passed away; 69, to teaching and cultivating the people. Thus, he left behind him a wealth of scholars whom he directly or indirectly developed and also a treasure chest of authored literature of which some is available in English. May Allah shower him with His vast and all encompassing Mercy.
Additional Reading Material:
- The Evolution of Fiqh, by Bilal Phillips
- The Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, by Mohammad Ibn Hashim Kamali
- Introductory text in Islamic Jurisprudence, by Imam Ahmad Al Basyouni.
Progression:
Having studied this course, you should consider studying the following:
- Hanafi Fiqh: Mukhtasar al Quduri
- Manhaj as Salikeen
- Umdatul Ahkaam (Purification)
- Hanbali Fiqh: Umdatul Fiqh (Purification)
- Umdatul Ahkaam (Salaah)
- Hanbali Fiqh: Umdatul Fiqh (Salah)
- The Fiqh of Ramadhan
- The Fiqh of Hajj
- The Fiqh of Food and Clothing
- The Fiqh of Inheritance
- Fiqh Pertaining to Women
- The Fiqh of Menstruation
- Umdatul Ahkaam (Mariage & Divorce)
- The Fiqh of Marriage, Family and Divorce
- Usool ul Fiqh
- Qawaid Fiqhiyyah
- The Niqaab and Hijaab
"My dear brothers and sisters at the Tayyibun Institute in the United Kingdom. I ask Allah (swt) that He grants you success and correction in your affairs and I also ask Allah (swt) that He always brings us together upon righteousness…."
Shaykh Abu Salih
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