
All laws explain permissibility of certain actions or behaviours. The support for all laws is derived from the general approach of Islam in all issues whether great or small, therefore, all laws can be traced to major or minor issues. {quotes}Typically, all derived rulings are classified and recorded in order to be able to return to them if a similar situation arises.{/quotes}
The first person who explicitly brought these points to discussion and wrote about them in an academic manner was the learned Imam Shafi’i. By looking at the basis of this science, it becomes apparent how important it is for the study of religion and how we are in need of it, especially today. The science of Usul al-Fiqh helps us to better understand religion.
However, some have misinterpreted these ahadith to mean that one’s behaviour and actions are irrelevant and that entry into paradise is guaranteed simply with correct creed. Such grave misinterpretations occur of many other verses and ahadith by people who take the wrong approach to the Shari’ah.
We must keep two fundamental laws in mind with regard to the issue of religion; all laws must be derived from the Qur’an and the Sunnah; and the texts of both must be understood correctly based on the premises defined by the scholars.
Scholars have continuously warned of the danger of such acts. Ibn al-Ma’in said, ‘Literally understanding the words of a hadith or depending on your interpretation will give you incomplete knowledge.’ {quotes}One must look at how verses are supported, and what context and occasion they relate to.{/quotes}
Thus, one of the important uses of the science of Islamic jurisprudence is to help us understand the scriptures of our religion.
The science of Usul al-Fiqh allows us to correctly prioritise all matters and come out with moderate and correct views that do not go against our religion.{/quotes}
A recurrent example of the danger of abandoning the laws of this science occurs today. Many men of religion have issued rulings [fatawa] allowing Muslims to have financial dealings with banks that define interest rates, with the excuse that this is today’s necessities about which we can do nothing. Others have given outrageous flexibility to Muslims living in the West, ruling that the five daily prayers can be offered simultaneously.
The previously discussed dangers of following sporadic rulings take place because people do not know how to assess conflicting opinions. Thus they fall prey to all manner of views that seem to originate from a religious source.
The science of jurisprudence also allows us to distinguish between what is authentically from the blessed Prophet and what is just meaningless innovation. Many people who feel they are devoted to religion, particularly those who are young, assume that all authentic ahadith are a Sunnah, which should be followed and anything besides that is an innovation that should be disregarded.
Many people today hold the position of issuing religious rules such as a mufti, though they are not qualified to do so. {quotes}Some of us assume that anybody who is gifted at reciting the holy Qur’an, delivering the sermon [khutbah] on Friday, or somebody who seems to be particularly knowledgeable is the right person to be asked about Islamic rulings on certain matters.{/quotes}
We may see someone as flexible and ask their opinion, thereafter seeking an opinion from somebody else on the same subject, and then consequently feel lost between the two. This science enables people to assess the opinions and views of those those that are questioned, and make a proper selection of who to ask.
Once we are aware of the basics of this science, we will be able to control such matters and respond appropriately to such confusion. Another useful outcome of studying this science is that we will be able to comprehend issues of religion faster and thus learn more. We will also learn the methods of accurate expression, organised thought, logical argument and strong support. We will also understand the importance of open-mindedness toward those who hold opposing views as long as they are well supported.
Source: Dr. Haitham al-Haddad [External/non-QP]