Islamic Jurisprudence

The Evolution of the Schools of Fiqh & Muslims’ Unity

Scholars of Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. How and why did the four madhahib (Schools of Fiqh) — the Hanafi, Shafi`i, Maliki and Hanbali — emerge and evolve? Why do Muslims follow one school in one country and another school in another country? What is the reason behind this lack of uniformity?

Following the Easier of Two Opinions

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to follow the ijtihad (personal reasoning) of one scholar on a particular issue and that of a different scholar on another issue when you know that the second scholar favors facilitation? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Concept of Ijtihad

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Kindly furnish me with details about the concept of Ijtihad, with evidence, please. Jazakum Allah khayran!