Rule of Faith in Islam - Foundations and Implications
The Islamic rule of faith, known as the sources of Islamic jurisprudence and theology, is grounded in four principal foundations: the Qurʾān, Ḥadīs̤, Ijmāʿ, and Qiyās. These sources collectively guide the belief, practices, and legal decisions of Muslims across various denominations, including Sunnī, Shīʿah, and Wahhābī.
The Four Foundations of Orthodoxy
1. Qurʾān (القرآن)
Etymology and Meaning:
The term “Qurʾān” (القرآن) is derived from the Arabic root “q-r-ʾ,” meaning “to read” or “to recite.” It translates to “The Recitation” or “The Reading.”
Significance:
Often referred to as Kalāmu ʾllāh (كلام الله), meaning “The Word of God,” the Qurʾān is the central religious text of Islam, believed to be a revelation from Allah (God) to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). It is considered the primary and most authoritative source in matters of faith and practice.
2. Ḥadīs̤ (حديث) - Plural: Aḥādīs̤ (أحاديث)
Etymology and Meaning:
Ḥadīs̤ (حديث) originates from the Arabic verb “ḥaddatha,” meaning “to inform” or “to tell.” It refers to the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad.
Significance:
The Ḥadīs̤ serves as a critical source of guidance, complementing the Qurʾān. Variations exist between Sunnī and Shīʿah collections of Ḥadīs̤, but all denominations regard them as essential for religious doctrines and laws.
3. Ijmāʿ (إجماع)
Etymology and Meaning:
Ijmāʿ (إجماع) is derived from the Arabic root “j-m-ʿ,” meaning “to gather” or “to agree.” It signifies the consensus of the Mujtahidūn (مجتهدون), the learned scholars, on various religious issues.
Significance:
Ijmāʿ is foundational in developing and preserving the orthodoxy of Islamic jurisprudence. It represents a unified scholarly agreement that forms a binding precedent in interpreting Shariah (Islamic Law).
4. Qiyās (قياس)
Etymology and Meaning:
Qiyās (قياس) stems from the Arabic root “q-y-s,” meaning “to measure” or “to compare.” It involves analogical reasoning applied by scholars to deduce laws from the Qurʾān and Ḥadīs̤ when direct evidence is unavailable.
Significance:
Qiyās allows for adaptability in Islamic law by enabling scholars to apply established principles to new circumstances, thereby extending the application of Islamic jurisprudence to contemporary issues.
Islamic Denominations and Their Views
Sunnī Islam
Sunnī Muslims emphasize the authority of the Qurʾān and the Ḥadīs̤, with a strong tradition of Ijmāʿ and Qiyās. They consider themselves the guardians of orthodox traditions, guided by established schools of thought such as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali.
Shīʿah Islam
Shīʿah Muslims also recognize the Qurʾān and Ḥadīs̤ but rely on their distinct collections, like the sayings of the Imams considered to be divinely guided. Ijmāʿ and Qiyās are also employed but interpreted through the lens of Shīʿah theological principles.
Wahhābī Movement
Wahhābīs, typically within the broader Sunnī framework, advocate a return to what they perceive as the pure practices of early Islam, hence emphasizing strict adherence to the Qurʾān and Ḥadīs̤, often skeptical of later innovations like certain applications of Ijmāʿ and Qiyās.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “Usul al-Fiqh: The Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Mohammad Hashim Kamali
- “An Introduction to the Hadith” by John Burton
- “The Qur’an and Its Interpretive Tradition” by Andrew Rippin
- “A History of Islamic Legal Theories: An Introduction to Sunni Usul al-Fiqh” by Wael B. Hallaq
- “Shariʿa: Theory, Practice, Transformations” by Wael B. Hallaq
Takeaways
- Four foundational sources serve as the rule of faith in Islam: the Qurʾān, Ḥadīs̤, Ijmāʿ, and Qiyās.
- The Qurʾān is the most sacred text in Islam, seen as the direct word of God.
- Ḥadīs̤ encompasses the sayings and deeds of Prophet Muhammad, significant for guidance in daily and religious matters.
- Ijmāʿ represents the scholarly consensus which holds an authoritative weight in legal and theological matters.
- Qiyās allows for legal reasoning by analogy to address novel issues not explicitly covered in foundational texts.
Conclusion
The Muḥammadan rule of faith encompasses a rich tapestry of textual and interpretative traditions, ensuring the dynamic and contextual application of Islam’s core teachings. Understanding these foundations provides crucial insights into the diverse practices and beliefs within the Muslim world.
