How Fiqh Shapes Islamic Ethical and Moral Standards

Fiqh, the intricate science of Islamic jurisprudence, serves as a guiding light for millions of the Muslims around the globe. In this blog post, we will understand what is fiqh, exploring its rich historical context and uncovering its vital role in shaping Islamic laws and moral conduct within Muslim communities today. Whether you’re seeking to practicing Islamic Shariah or simply curious about how ancient teachings continue to influence modern life, join us as we explore the layers of Islamic jurisprudence! Also read the fiqa of salah.

Fiqh Meaning

The literal meaning of “Fiqh” is understanding or comprehension. In linguistic terms, Fiqah refers to knowing, being informed, understanding something, or gaining insight into it. The term “Fiqh” is used in the Qur’an in various contexts to denote “deep understanding”. In Surah Tawbah verse: 122 it is said:

” لِّيَتَفَقَّهُوا۟ فِى ٱلدِّينِ”

“So that they may gain understanding in religion.”

In Hadith, the term is also used to denote understanding or deep comprehension of religious matters. Prophet PBUH said:

“من يرد الله به خيرا يفقهه في الدين”

“Whomsoever Allah wishes to do good to, He gives him understanding in the religion.”

This verse and hadith highlights that “fiqa” refers to a deep understanding of religious matters or issues.

Fiqh Definition

Imam Abu Hanifa defines “Fiqah is the knowledge of what is due to oneself and what is required of oneself.”

Need of Fiqah

In a person’s comprehensive life, there are countless and intricate Shariah rules and issues related to beliefs, worship, rights of Allah, rights of people, transactions, and social conduct scattered throughout the Qur’an, Hadith. Ideally, every individual might wish to find answers to these issues directly from the Qur’an, Hadith, and the narrations of the Sahabah. However, this task is extremely challenging for the average Muslim due to several reasons:

Endless Personal Responsibilities: Individuals have numerous daily responsibilities that make it difficult to dedicate time to in-depth study.

Language Barrier: All the rules of Shariah are in the Arabic language, and not everyone is familiar with Arabic. As a result, understanding the true meanings can sometimes be challenging due to the differences in interpretation. However, since the translation of the Quran into Urdu has been completed, understanding its meanings has become easier. Allah Himself has permitted in the Quran that this book is meant for your guidance. Read it, understand it, and then explain it to others in your own language in a simplified manner.

Complexity and Ambiguity: Some Sharia rulings are explicitly clear in the Qur’an and authentic Hadith. However, others may be ambiguous or subject to multiple interpretations. Certain rulings may seem to contradict other verses or Hadith, necessitating ijtihad (independent juristic reasoning) and a deep understanding of context and principles. Ijtihad is a complex process requiring extensive knowledge and is not feasible for everyone.

Historical Practice: Even during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Sahabah (companions) did not attempt to interpret the Qur’an in isolation. Instead, they sought clarification from the Prophet himself or from knowledgeable companions, recognizing that full understanding required guidance from those endowed with deep religious knowledge.

Given these challenges, it is essential to rely on learned scholars and established institutions that can provide authoritative interpretations and guidance based on comprehensive study and understanding of Islamic jurisprudence. This approach ensures that individuals can navigate Sharia rules effectively and align their practices with the principles of Islam.

Historical Origin and Authenticity

Fiqh does not have an independent or separate source apart from Sharia; rather, it is a complete and comprehensive explanation of the Quran and Hadith under a specific framework. It is not a separate entity from the Quran and Hadith but is derived from them. What is presented in the Quran and Hadith in a general and principle-based manner is detailed and elaborated upon in Fiqh by the scholars, with specifics and nuances.

In the early days of Islam, Fiqa’s scope was so broad that it included not only jurisprudence but also beliefs, ethics, and various issues of practical law. So Imams of Fiqh define it in broader terms such as:

Imam Shafi’i says: “All the statements made by the Imams are explanations of Hadith, and the entire collection of Hadith is an explanation of the Quran.” (al-Iklil fi Istinbat al-Tanzil, p. 11)

Imam Ghazali writes: “Indeed, Fiqah is a branch of Islamic knowledge, as it is derived from Prophethood (i.e., the Quran and Hadith).” (Ihya Ulum al-Din, 1/19)

Imam Abu Hanifa defines: “Fiqa is the knowledge of what benefits and harms the soul.”

However, during the caliphate of Ma’mun al-Rashid, with the influence of translated Greek philosophical texts, the simplicity of beliefs was lost, and their discussions became lengthy, difficult, and complex. As a result, beliefs were separated from Fiqh and established as an independent discipline known as “Ilm al-Kalam” (The Science of Theology). Subsequently, ethics were also removed from Fiqh and became recognized as a separate field known as “Ilm al-Tasawwuf” (Sufism). Thus, Fiqah became focused solely on practical details and issues of jurisprudence, excluding beliefs and ethics.

Sources of Fiqh in Islam

Fiqa refers to the knowledge of the practical legal rulings of Islamic Sharia derived from sources such as the Quran, Sunnah, consensus of Islamic Scholar (Ijma), and analogy (Qiyas). It sheds light on various issues affecting individuals and society. These four sources of islamic law also known as usul al fiqh:

• Quran: The primary source of Islamic Sharia.
• Sunnah (Hadith): The teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which explain and clarify the Quran, is another source of islamic law.
• Ijma: The consensus of Islamic scholars is another source of shariah.
• Qiyas: Literal meaning of qiyas is “analogy”. Islamic jurisprudence defines qiyas as an analogical reasoning based on established principles for new issues.

School of Thoughts and Branches

Islamic Fiqh is divided into different schools of thought such as fiqa Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali, each with its own interpretations and principles. These school of thoughts are derived by the 4 imam of fiqah encompasses all aspects of Islamic life and provides detailed principles and guidelines for Muslim conduct. These help Muslims follow Sharia rules and manage their affairs correctly according to Islamic teachings. These sharia rules applied to different branches of fiqah such as:

• Worship (Ibadat): Issues related to acts of worship such as Salah, Sawm, Zakat, and Hajj.
• Transactions (Muamalat): Matters related to buying, selling, contracts, and loans.
• Family Law (Ahkam al-‘Aileh): Issues related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
• Criminal Law (Jinayat): Issues related to crimes and punishments under Islamic law.