Usūl al-Fiqh: Islamic Legal Theory
From principles to practice, learn how Islamic Legal Theory (Usul al-Fiqh) shapes the way we understand law, ethics and society with Shaykh Dr. Ahmed Saad, from the classical text Al-Waraqāt.
Weekly Live Lessons via Zoom starting Thursday 1st January. 7pm - 8:30pm UK Time.
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Why Study Islamic Legal Theory?
Improve Your Practice
Understand the proofs and precedence behind your daily rituals
Think Like a Jurist
Learn the principles used by Islamic Jurists to derive legal rulings
Understand the Framework
Appreciate the differences between the various Schools of Thought
What you will learn
This 4-month course will hep you to deepen your understanding of how Islamic rulings are derived and interpreted, through the lens of the Maliki madhhab. You will gain the analytical tools to better understand legal texts, appreciate the wisdom behind the law, and gain insight into the brilliance of our tradition.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for students who have at least a basic background in Islamic studies and fiqh. You do not need to be a student of knowledge, but you should be willing to focus, take notes and review between sessions. If you have studied a foundational Maliki fiqh text or attended previous Ihsan courses in Fiqh or Usūl, this will likely be a good next step for you.
Course Topics:
1. Introduction to Usul al-Fiqh
Explore the foundations of Islamic Legal Theory and how it provides the tools for understanding the rulings of the Shariah.
2. Sources of Law
Learn how the Maliki school prioritises the Qur’an, Sunnah, practice of the people of Madinah, and other evidences in deriving rulings.
3. Ijma‘ and Qiyas
Understand the role of scholarly consensus and analogical reasoning in forming legal judgments.
4. Maslahah Mursalah (Public Interest)
Discover how the Maliki school gives weight to public benefit and welfare as a principle in legal decision-making.
5. ‘Urf (Custom and Practice)
Study the recognition of local custom and community practice as a valid source of law.
6. Sadd al-Dhara’i‘ (Blocking the Means)
Examine how the Maliki school prevents harm by closing the doors to actions that could lead to prohibited outcomes.
7. The Role of the Practice of the People of Madinah
Explore why the lived tradition of the Prophet’s city was regarded by Imam Malik as a binding proof, and it's conditions.
8. Differentiating Between Qat‘i and Dhanni Texts
Understand how scholars distinguished between absolute and speculative evidences in formulating rulings.
9. Hierarchy of Evidences in Maliki Usul
Learn how Malikis jurists rank and balance between sources when the evidence seems to conflict.
10. Contemporary Applications of Maliki Usul
See how the principles of the Maliki madhhab continue to provide guidance for today’s challenges.
Meet your Instructor
Dr. Shaykh Ahmed Saad: With over two decades of rich scholarly experience and practical wisdom, Shaykh Ahmed brings a unique perspective to his teachings. His educational background combines rigorous traditional Islamic learning with Western academia, providing profound and relevant insights to modern Western contexts. Shaykh Ahmed holds a BA in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University and a PhD in Theology and Religion from the University of Birmingham, UK. With his engaging delivery and deep empathy, Shaykh Saad excels at making complex concepts accessible and relevant to his audience.
Why Study at Ihsan?
Community
Become part of Ihsan's global community, join like-minded students, and open doors to further your knowledge.
Clarity
The Islamic tradition is one of clarity. By the end of this course, you will clearly understand how to perform the sacred Pilgrimage.
Character
At Ihsan we believe knowledge is for perfection. We aim to provide transformative knowledge to help you develop in your journey as a Muslim.
