The Holy Quran, Hadith Traditions and Ijtihad are the three main sources of Shari’ah Law. They govern and define all aspects and characteristics of a muslim’s life.
Ijtihad, or the exercise of judgement, is the main source of Islamic laws in areas where the Holy Qur’an and the Traditions are not explicit. The exercise of this independent judgement can only be left in the hands of well-versed and erudite scholars of the Holy Qur’an and the Tradition.
The four great Imams, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمهم الله) played a vital role in the development of Islamic Jurisprudence. It is their works and efforts that have provided us with a guide which we use to adhere to the laws laid down by the Shari’ah.
Let us learn about their struggles and their great efforts to seek and spread knowledge, realize how despite the differences of opinion in the matters of fiqh, they had utmost respect for each other.
Let us be driven by the undying legacy they left behind, be in awe and take inspiration from their laborious lives in the way of Deen in a powerful PowerTalk “The Legends”