Law 232: History of Islamic Legal Schools is an in-depth exploration into the rich tapestry of Islamic jurisprudence through the lens of its major legal schools (Madhahib). This course delves into the origins, development, methodologies, and key figures of the four Sunni schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—as well as significant Shia schools, such as the Ja’fari (Twelver Shia) and Zaidi. By tracing the historical evolution of these schools from their inception to their contemporary relevance, students will gain a profound understanding of the diversity within Islamic legal thought and its application across different cultural and geographical contexts.
The course will also cover the factors that led to the emergence of these schools, their contributions to Islamic legal theory, and the interactions among them. Students will critically assess the impact of social, political, and technological changes on the schools’ interpretations and rulings, exploring the dynamic nature of Islamic law in addressing new challenges.
Overall Objectives for this Course:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Outline the historical development of the major Islamic legal schools.
- Compare and contrast the foundational principles and methodologies of the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali, Ja’fari, and Zaidi schools.
- Identify the key figures in the establishment and evolution of these schools and their contributions to Islamic jurisprudence.
- Analyze the socio-political factors influencing the schools’ rulings and their geographical spread.
- Evaluate the interaction between different legal schools and their influence on one another.
- Discuss contemporary challenges faced by Islamic legal schools and their approaches to modern issues.
- Explore case studies highlighting the application of different legal schools in contemporary Muslim-majority societies.
- Reflect on the future of Islamic legal schools in the context of globalization and increasing calls for reform.
