The Hanbali Madhab

The Hanbali school was founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855 CE), the great muhaddith (hadith scholar) of Baghdad.

Methodology

Known for the strongest adherence to hadith among the four madhabs. Prefers a weak hadith over qiyas. Minimal use of ra'y (opinion). Known for its textualist approach.

Geographic Spread

Historically centered in Iraq and Syria. Today dominant in Saudi Arabia and parts of the Gulf.

Legacy

The Hanbali tradition influenced later scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.