Introduction to Usul Fiqh

What is Usul Fiqh?

• It is a set of principles that allows you to derive rulings from their evidences
• The ahnaf were the first to establish usul
• In the past, scholars did not require them to be documented

The principles of Fiqh are 4:

From Dala’il Sam’iyyah:

1. Kitab-ullah: 500+ ayaat relating to ahkam
2. Sunnatu-rasooli: An Action of the Prophet (s.a.w.) - Sunnah is used as an action can never be maudoo

From Dala’il Ghayr Sam’iyyah:

3. Ijma’ - starting from ijma’ of the sahabah
4. Qiyas

Evidences, and their Breakdown

Terminology: Qat’i, Dhannee, At-thuboot, Ad-dalalah

Qat’i At-thuboot and Qat’i Ad-dalalah

• The evidence being used is irrefutably authentic i.e. Mutawatir, and the meaning of the evidence is irrefutably clear.

Hukm

• You can prove fardh and haraam with it and there is no dispute amongst the scholars regarding it.

Example

• Establishment of the prayer.

Qat’i At-thuboot and Dhannee Ad-dalalah

• The evidence being used is irrefutably authentic i.e. Mutawatir, and the meaning of the evidence is disputed among scholars.

Hukm

• todo

Example:

• When a divorcee has to wait three cycles (thalathata Quroo’) which is established from Qur’an. However, does Quroo’ here mean a period of purity or impurity?

Dhannee At-thuboot and Qat’i Ad-dalalah

• The evidence is a khabr wahid, but the matn is undisputed.

Hukm

• You cannot prove a fardh from it, however, you can prove wajib, down to makruh tahrimi.

Example

• Every action is upon its intention

Dhannee At-thuboot and Dhannee Ad-dalalah

• The evidence is a khabr wahid, and the meaning of the evidence is disputed among scholars.

Hukm

• You can only prove mustahabb down to makruh tanzihi.

Example:

• Drinking milk & washing the mouth.