How many basic sources of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) are there?

In Islamic jurisprudence, commonly known as Fiqh, the foundational framework that guides legal rulings and religious practices is built on four universally recognized primary sources. These sources provide Islamic scholars with the principles needed to interpret religious matters, resolve emerging issues, and maintain consistency in Islamic law across generations. The four basic sources of Fiqh are: the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Ijma (consensus of scholars), and Qiyas (analogical reasoning). Each of these sources plays a unique and complementary role in shaping Islamic legal thought.

The Quran is the foremost authority and the ultimate divine revelation for Muslims. It contains clear commands, prohibitions, laws, and moral instructions. When legal or spiritual guidance is required, scholars always refer to the Quran before any other source. If the matter is explicitly addressed in the Quran, no other source is needed.

The Sunnah serves as the practical embodiment of Quranic teachings. The actions, sayings, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) provide further clarification and real-life application of divine guidance. Many legal rulings are derived from Hadith literature when the Quran does not directly address a specific issue.

Ijma refers to the collective agreement of qualified Islamic scholars on a particular issue. Over centuries, this method ensured that the Muslim community maintained unity and avoided contradictions in religious rulings.

Qiyas, the fourth source, uses logical analogy to derive rulings for new matters by comparing them with established rulings. This tool allows Islamic law to remain relevant and adaptable to evolving circumstances while staying rooted in divine guidance.