Introduction to Maxims of Fiqh (Al-Qawa’id Al-Fiqhiyyah)

Al-Qawāʾid al-Fiqhiyyah offers a comprehensive study of the foundational principles and maxims of Islamic jurisprudence by Shaykh al-Saʿdī. This short course covers an overview of the significance and scope of fiqh maxims, including their historical development and relevance in understanding Islamic legal principles.

Understanding these legal maxims empowers students with a systematic approach to legal reasoning, offering clarity and ease in navigating complex fiqh matters. It serves as a vital bridge between theory and application in Islamic jurisprudence.

Taught by Shaykh Abdulwahid Stephenson, who studied Islamic Jurisprudence at the Islamic University of Madinah, the course focuses on guiding students through the structure, core principles, and practical application of these foundational legal maxims.

Students will learn:

• Introduction to Fiqh Maxims: Understanding the definition, structure, and role of qawaʾid in Islamic jurisprudence

• Core Maxims: Study the five major fiqh maxims that encompass numerous legal issues

• Application of Maxims: Practical scenarios demonstrating how these principles are applied to everyday legal matters

• Historical Development: Tracing the evolution of qawaʾid al-fiqhiyyah and their role in classical Islamic scholarship

• Importance and Relevance: The significance of these principles in modern contexts for deriving legal rulings

An essential course for anyone seeking a systematic approach to legal reasoning and ease in navigating complex fiqh matters.