The Background of Jurisprudential Schools and Their Geographical Limits in the Modern Era: A Research Study

فقہی مسالک کا پس منظر اور عصر حاضر میں ان کی جغرافیائی حدود: ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ

Abstract

This article aims to present a historical and analytical study of the four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence, tracing their origins, evolution, and geographical spread across the Muslim world. The study begins with an overview of the intellectual foundation of Islamic law established by the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and their successors, which ultimately gave rise to the systematic codification of Islamic jurisprudence in the form of the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools. Each of these schools not only developed distinct methodologies (usul al-fiqh) and juristic approaches but also became deeply integrated into the social, cultural, and political fabric of the regions where they flourished. The article will shed light on the “mother books” that preserved the juristic legacy of each school and will introduce some of their prominent students who played a vital role in transmitting and consolidating their traditions. Historical developments will be highlighted to show how some schools flourished while others gradually disappeared. Furthermore, the study will examine the presence of these schools in the modern era, analyzing the regions where they remain dominant today, and how colonial legacies, modern state laws, and globalization have influenced their status. By presenting both historical and contemporary perspectives, this paper seeks to provide a comprehensive research-based understanding of the schools of Islamic jurisprudence. In conclusion, recommendations will be presented to guide further research and to strengthen the role of these schools in addressing contemporary legal and social challenges facing the Muslim world.