FIQH
 “Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise” [Bukhari]

The Arabic word fiqh means knowledge, understanding and comprehension. In the context of Islamic legislation it refers to the legal rulings of the Muslim scholars, based on their knowledge of the shari`ah.

The word fiqh is mentioned in the Quran in the context of studying the Deen of Islam:

"Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in Deen(Islam), and admonish the people when they return to them,- that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)" (Surah al-Tawbah: Ayah 121)

Furthermore, Rasoolillah(SAW) said: "Whomsoever Allah wishes to show goodness, he gives him understanding of the Religion." (Bukhari & Muslim) 

It is through the elaboration of these scholars we understand what is obligatory, recommended, permissible, disliked and unlawful in Islam. In order to ensure we remain within the bounds of Islamic actions it is necessary that we acquaint ourselves with all the obligatory (fard) aspects of fiqh. It is through this study we strive to gain the Pleasure of Allah(SWT) in every act we undertake.  

Rasoolillah(SAW) said “Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise,” [Bukhari] 

It is essential that we do not allow our whims and desires to dictate right and wrong for us, instead following the rulings prescribed to us by our Creator. 

“So call to Islaam and stand firm, and do not follow their whims and desires, but say: ‘‘I believe in whatever has been revealed by Allaah from the Book, and I have been commanded to do justice between you.” [Surah Shura: Ayah15]

The bases of fiqh rely primarily on the Qur’an, the Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet), Qiyas(Juristic Analogy) and Ijma’(Consensus). The main schools of thought - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali- are identical in approximately 75% of their legal conclusions. Variances in the remaining questions are traceable to methodological differences in understanding or authentication of the primary textual evidence.

Notes on Fiqh