Tajdeed

Different methods of Islamic Law: A comparison between the Usuli and Traditionist methods

When properly understanding Islamic Law (Shari’a), it is necessary to completely examine all the texts collectively. It is especially important to examine the texts chronologically & it is even more important to examine the clear commands & injunctions of the Qur’an and the established or mass-transmitted Sunnah (mutawatir).

According to the Usuli method, it is incorrect to hastily embrace & practice every isolated solitary report/hadith. This is especially important when the isolated tradition attributed to the Prophet is in conflict with the implications and built principles of the Qur’an & established hadiths which convey the true Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.

Therefore, the hadith-centrism of the Traditionists (Muhadithun/Ahl al-Hadith) is in clear conflict with the established Usul (foundational principles) of the Fuqaha (jurists).

the Traditionist Hadith-centric methodology recognises every reliable chain of transmission accurately linked back to the Prophet was actually the command of God & His Messenger that is binding upon the masses as Divine Law (Shari’a).

Whereas, the Usuli method of the jurists priorities context, historicity, the reason & cause of a command or prohibition & other versions of the same Hadith or incident to have a broad, holistic understanding of the matter.

Thus, for the Usulis, it is absolutely necessary to collectively assess all the texts and sources to avoid misunderstanding and wrongly applying the rulings that are attributed to God & His Messenger.

By Abul Hasan al-Gabikani al-Shadi al-Shaddadi al-Hadhabani -al-Kurdi