How Can I Study Fiqh According to the Shāfiʿī
Madhhab?
Firstly, acquiring and seeking knowledge is a path to understanding and
fulfilling the will of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā). This is especially true when
it comes to the study of fiqh, as fiqh represents the comprehensive
understanding of Islam’s guidance in every area of life. Allāh Almighty says :
"So know that there is no deity except Allah".1
ُ ٱلله
َّ فَاع ْلَمْ أَنَّه ُ ل َا إِ لََٰه َ إِ َّلا
This verse reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge, especially knowledge of
Allāh and His laws, is not only encouraged but is essential to a Muslim’s faith.
The study of fiqh, particularly in areas that every Muslim must know, like
purification and prayer, fulfills an individual obligation (farḍ al-ʿayn) for all
believers. Moreover, the Prophet ﷺemphasized the value of seeking
knowledge, saying : “When Allah intends good for someone, He gives them
understanding in the religion.” 2
ن
ِ الله ُ بِه ِ خَيْر ًا يُف َقِهْه ُ ف ِي الد ِي
َّ ِم َنْ يُرِد
For those who commit to studying the Shāfiʿī madhhab, this path is not only
a means to gain practical knowledge but also a way to align with one of
Islam’s well-founded and scholarly legal schools.
Al-Ḥāfiẓ ad-Dhahabī, a renowned Shāfiʿī scholar, once praised the madhhab,
saying : "The Shāfiʿī jurists are the wisest of people and more knowledgeable
than others in religion. The foundation of their madhhab is built upon
following authentic ḥadīths, and their Imām is among the foremost of the
scholars of ḥadīth, and his virtues are many. O so-and-so, if you adhere to
the Shāfiʿī madhhab to practice your religion and protect yourself from
ignorance, you will be on the right path".
1
Surah Muhammad (19)
2
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, (71); Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (1037)
Just as the scholars before us dedicated themselves to knowledge, I try, even
if I am too far from being so, to also humbly engage in studying and teaching
this great madhhab. May Allāh make this journey sincere and beneficial for
us all, for it is indeed a path to Jannah as the Prophet ﷺhas told us :
"Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make the path to
Paradise easy for him”. 1
ِ الله ُ لَه ُ بِه ِ َطر ِيق ًا إِ لَى الْج ََّنة
َّ َِس ف ِيه ِ ع ِل ْمًا س ََّهل
ُ ك َطر ِيق ًا يَل ْتَم
َ َ م َنْ سَل
Methodology of Studying the Shāfiʿī Madhhab
The study of fiqh, like all sciences in Islam, is learned gradually, progressing
from foundational texts to advanced works. Within the Shāfiʿī madhhab, this
structured approach allows a student to build a firm and reliable
understanding of the law, grounded in the principles and methods that Imām
al-Shāfiʿī developed. Here is a recommended sequence for those embarking
on this journey :
Starting with Concise Texts
The journey in the Shāfiʿī madhhab often begins with Matn Abī Shujāʿ (also
known as Ghayat al-Ikhtiṣār), a concise foundational text summarizing the
basics of fiqh. This text has been widely praised and utilized in both Shām
and ʿIrāq. It covers essential topics making it an excellent starting point for
beginners. To aid memorization, Mandhūmah al-ʿUmrīṭī offers a poetic
rendition of Matn Abī Shujāʿ, a tool that students find invaluable in
committing the principles to memory.
Studying Commentaries
After a student has memorized or become familiar with Matn Abī Shujāʿ, they
should turn to its commentaries for deeper understanding. One widely
respected commentary is that of Ibn al-Qāsim as-Shāfiʿī, which provides
clarification, evidence, and reasoning for each ruling. Studying
commentaries helps a student connect theoretical knowledge with
practical applications.
1
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2699)
ʿUmdat al-Sālik wa ʿUddat al-Nāsik
Once a student has grasped the basics, they can progress to ʿUmdat al-Sālik
wa ʿUddat al-Nāsik by Ibn al-Naqīb al-Miṣrī. This text goes beyond basics,
discussing key rulings in more detail and is widely accepted as a
comprehensive intermediate-level text within the madhhab. Commentaries
on this text provide even greater insights, and many students use it as a
bridge to advanced studies.
Minhāj al-Ṭālibīn
The core text of the Shāfiʿī madhhab is Minhāj al-Ṭālibīn by al-Ḥāfiẓ al-
Nawawī. Al-Nawawī, known for his rigor and depth, organized this work to
reflect the primary rulings and evidences of the madhhab, making it an
authoritative source. Students who reach this stage are encouraged to not
only study the text but to master its issues, as it provides the groundwork for
all advanced discussions in Shāfiʿī fiqh.
Further Studies
Once a student has completed these texts, they are ready to delve into other
key works of the madhhab, such as Mughni al-Muḥtāj by al-Khaṭīb al-Shirbīnī
or Rawḍat al-Ṭālibīn. At this level, students are often advised to study under
knowledgeable teachers who can guide them through complex issues and
help them apply fiqh principles.
Concluding Advice and Duʿāʾ
As you embark on this path, remember the significance of intention (niyyah).
Knowledge must be sought sincerely for Allah’s sake and practiced with
humility. May Allah grant us success in this endeavor and allow us to be
among those who benefit ourselves and others with this knowledge. As the
Prophet ﷺprayed : “O Allāh, I ask You for beneficial knowledge”. 1
ك ع ِل ْمًا ن َافِع ًا
َ ُ الله َُّم إِ ن ِي أَ سْ أَ ل
َّ
And may Allāh assist us in our studies and make us among those with a deep
understanding of the religion, fulfilling our individual obligations and growing
closer to Him through knowledge and action.
1
Sunan Ibn Mājah (925)
