Usul al-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence)

Usul al-fiqh, or principles of Islamic jurisprudence, is the academic study of how Islamic legal rulings are derived from core sources like the Quran and Hadith. It provides a structured methodology for interpreting and applying these sources to new situations, ensuring consistent and authentic legal decisions. Think of it as a set of guidelines or tools that scholars use to understand Islamic law accurately, balancing revelation with reasoning. This discipline helps maintain the integrity, flexibility, and clarity of Islamic legal teachings across different times and contexts.