Hanafi School

Mainstream

الحنفية

Overview

One of the four major Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), founded by Imam Abu Hanifa (699–767 CE) in Kufa, Iraq. Known for its extensive use of qiyas (analogical reasoning) and istihsan (juristic preference). Predominant in Turkey, Central Asia, South Asia, the Balkans, and historically in the Ottoman Caliphate.

Key Beliefs

Following Quran, Sunnah, Ijma (scholarly consensus), and Qiyas (analogical reasoning)
Broad use of Istihsan (juristic preference) where strict analogy produces hardship
Consideration of local custom ('urf) in legal rulings
Known for flexibility in removing undue hardship (rafah) from religious obligations

Scholarly Evaluation

One of the four accepted madhabs of Ahl us-Sunnah. Fully within the saved sect. Founded by Imam Abu Hanifa, one of the greatest jurists in Islamic history, known as 'al-Imam al-A'zam' (the Great Imam). Following any of the four madhabs is valid and praiseworthy.

Key Figures

Imam Abu Hanifa (699–767 CE)
Imam Abu Yusuf (731–798 CE)
Imam Muhammad al-Shaybani (749–805 CE)

Sources

Al-Mabsut (al-Sarakhsi)
Hidayah (al-Marghinani)
Fath al-Qadir (Ibn al-Humam)

Parent Group

Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah

Founder

Imam Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man ibn Thabit

Founded

699 CE