Continue Your Journey

Your journey into Islam continues. Discover essential knowledge, resources, and support.

The Four Madhabs

Madhabs (often spelled "madhāhib," plural of "madhhab") are schools of thought in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). They represent different approaches to understanding and interpreting Islamic law based on the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).

After the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed away, his companions and later generations of scholars had to address new situations and questions that were not explicitly covered in the Quran or Sunnah. To do this, they applied principles of reasoning, such as analogy (qiyas), consensus (ijma), and other methods. Over time, different regions developed distinct approaches based on the teachings of influential scholars.

In Sunni Islam, there are four widely recognized madhabs, each named after a prominent scholar. While they differ on specific rulings, they all share the same fundamental beliefs and principles:

Hanafi

A madhab rooted in scholarship and reasoning, founded by Imam Abu Hanifa. Known for its emphasis on personal judgment (ra'y) and logical deduction, it is the most widely followed school of thought across the Muslim world.

Hanafi School

Shaf'i

Founded by Imam Al-Shafi’i, this madhab harmonizes textual evidence with legal theory. It is known for its systematic approach to deriving rulings, blending reason and revelation seamlessly.

Shaf'i School

Maliki

A school based on the practices of the people of Madinah, founded by Imam Malik ibn Anas. Its teachings emphasize the customs of the early Muslim community and the principles of justice and fairness.

Maliki School

Hanbali

The most text-focused school of thought, established by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. It prioritizes the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the practices of the early generations, offering a straightforward and authentic perspective.

Hanbali School

Hadiths: The Main Collections

Sunni Islam recognizes six primary hadith collections, known as the Kutub al-Sittah (The Six Books):

Click On Any Of Them To Be Taken To The Full Collection!

Sahih al-Bukhari (by Imam al-Bukhari, d. 870 CE):
Considered the most authentic collection along with Sahih Muslim, it focuses on rigorously verified hadith. as well as multiple narrations on the same topic, allowing for comparison and interpretation.

Sahih Muslim (by Imam Muslim, d. 875 CE):
A close second to Sahih al-Bukhari in authenticity, with slightly different selection criteria, as it typically presents single, well-chosen narrations on particular topics.

Sunan Abu Dawood (by Abu Dawood, d. 889 CE):
Focuses on hadith related to Islamic law (fiqh).

Sunan al-Tirmidhi (by Imam al-Tirmidhi, d. 892 CE):
Contains hadith on legal rulings and includes commentary on their reliability.

Sunan al-Nasa’i (by Imam al-Nasa’i, d. 915 CE):
Renowned for its careful attention to detail, particularly on chains of narrators.

Sunan Ibn Majah (by Ibn Majah, d. 887 CE):
This collection includes many unique hadith not found in the other five major works, making it a valuable resource for scholars seeking additional perspectives. While some of its narrations are debated for authenticity, it remains an important contribution to the Kutub al-Sittah and is widely studied for its breadth and inclusiveness.

Hadiths' Importance

Tafsirs

Dive into the profound interpretations of the Qur'an with our collection of trusted Tafsirs. Gain deeper insights into the divine message, its historical context, and its timeless relevance, all explained by renowned scholars to help guide your understanding and connection with the words of Allah.

Tafsirs

Continue Your Journey

The Four Madhabs

Hanafi

Shaf'i

Maliki

Hanbali

Hadiths: The Main Collections

Tafsirs

Top Stories

Important Stories Of Islam