Usul al-Shashi

Course Overview

This four-part course will provide a detailed study of the Principles of Jurisprudence based on the text Usul al-Shashi. Usul al-Shashi is a well-known compendium on the principles of Islamic jurisprudence according to the Hanafi school. Despite its brevity and conciseness, the text is fit for a full, detailed study as it clearly articulates the position of the school, rather than the views and opinions of particular notable jurists.

The study of usul al-fiqh focuses on the principles upon which scholars have expounded upon Islamic jurisprudence. It also includes the study of the historical development of the discipline. The goal is to become familiar with the historical, social and religious factors in the development of Islamic legal schools and to become acquainted with the framework of jurisprudential discussion.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate considerable understanding of the development of usul al-fiqh
• Apply traditional usul al-fiqh to the modern era
• Demonstrate proficiency in the understanding of the methodology of Islamic lawmaking
• Confidently recall the position of the Hanafi school of thought on different usuli principles
• Understand the origins of the differences in the schools of Islamic law