Qiyas (Analogy)

Qiyas, or analogy, is a method used in Islamic legal reasoning to derive rulings for new situations by comparing them to similar, established cases. It involves identifying a common underlying reason or cause (illah) shared between the original case (asl) and the new case (far'ī), and then applying the relevant ruling from the original case to the new one. This process helps ensure laws remain adaptable and relevant, allowing for consistent decision-making when explicit texts or clear answers are absent. Essentially, Qiyas bridges gaps in legal understanding through logical comparison based on shared principles.