Definition
The juristic understanding of Islamic rulings derived from the Qur'an, Sunnah, ijmā‘, and qiyās. Fiqh covers worship (‘ibādāt), transactions (mu‘āmalāt), family (munākaḥāt), and criminal matters (jināyāt).
Pronunciation: fiqh
Etymology & Root
From the root ف-ق-ه (f-q-h), meaning 'to understand deeply.' Linguistically broader than mere knowledge — fiqh implies penetrating comprehension of meanings and intent.
Usage in the Qur'an
'So why does there not come from every group a band to gain understanding (li-yatafaqqahū) in the religion?' (at-Tawbah 9:122)
Usage in the Sunnah
'Whoever Allah wishes good for, He gives him understanding (yufaqqih-hu) of the religion.' (Bukhārī 71, Muslim 1037)
Scholarly Notes
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah called ‘aqīdah 'al-fiqh al-akbar' (the greater fiqh), reserving 'fiqh' in common usage for practical rulings. The four well-known madhāhib (Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfi‘ī, Ḥanbalī) are recognised schools of fiqh — but the binding source is the daleel, not the madhhab.
Common Misconceptions
Fiqh is not the Sharī‘ah itself — it is the human understanding of it. Hence fiqh rulings can differ between scholars, while the Sharī‘ah is one.
Practical Application
Learn the fiqh of what you regularly practice — wuḍū', ṣalāh, fasting, transactions you engage in — before delving into rare or theoretical issues.
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Related Terms
More from Fiqh Terms
Pilgrimage to Makkah — fifth pillar of Islam.
Major ritual purification — full body washing.
Following a scholar's ruling without knowing the evidence.
Breaking the fast at sunset.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar — month of obligatory fasting.
Voluntary charity.