Salam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Alhamdulillah wa Salatu was-Salam ala Rasulillah, sallallahu alayhi wa sahbihi wa man wala.
My dear brothers and sisters, welcome again to the “Effect of Differences” series. This is episode number 4, where we will discuss the formation of the different Islamic madhabs (schools of thought).
A common question I often receive after my lectures is:
“Sheikh, how come there are so many madhabs today, when during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, there were none? From where did these madhabs come? Why do we have the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali madhabs? And why do we even need them?”
Understanding the Concept of a Madhab
First, let me clarify what “madhab” means. A madhab (school of thought) is the interpretation and understanding of Islamic rulings by scholars based on the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ. It represents the way scholars understood and applied the Qur’an and Sunnah to different situations.
For example, let’s look at an incident from the Prophet’s ﷺ time. He once instructed his companions:
“None of you should pray Asr except when you reach Banu Qurayza.”
The companions understood this instruction differently:
- One group prayed Asr before reaching Banu Qurayza, believing that the Prophet ﷺ only meant to urge them to hurry.
- The other group strictly followed the command and did not pray Asr until they arrived at Banu Qurayza.
When they presented their actions to the Prophet ﷺ, he accepted both interpretations. This incident set the foundation for ijtihad (scholarly interpretation) and showed that differences in understanding are natural in Islam.
The Formation of the Four Madhabs
After the time of the companions (Sahaba) and their students (Tabi’een), great scholars emerged who dedicated their lives to preserving and interpreting Islamic law. These scholars included:
- Imam Abu Hanifa (Hanafi Madhab)
- Imam Malik (Maliki Madhab)
- Imam Ash-Shafi’i (Shafi’i Madhab)
- Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Hanbali Madhab)
Each of them analyzed Qur’anic verses, hadiths, and legal principles, sometimes arriving at different conclusions based on their understanding, the authenticity of narrations available to them, and the circumstances of their time.
Are the Madhabs Divisions in Islam?
Absolutely not! Following any of these four schools is correct, and they all lead to the same truth: the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ. Having different madhabs is a mercy, as they offer solutions for diverse situations and provide a structured approach to Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
If you follow any of these great scholars, you are on the right path, and inshaAllah, you will be resurrected with them on the Day of Judgment.
May Allah grant us the correct understanding of the deen and guide us all.
Wa Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.