Usuli school

The Usuli school is a branch of Twelver Shia Islam emphasizing the role of qualified religious scholars (ulama) in interpreting Islamic law. Unlike the earlier Akhbari school, which prioritized hadith (sayings of the Prophet) for legal decisions, Usulis believe that scholars with deep knowledge and reasoning (ijtihad) are essential in applying Islamic principles to new situations. This approach allows for a flexible and dynamic understanding of Islamic law while maintaining tradition. The Usuli school became dominant in Shia thought around the 16th century, shaping contemporary religious authority by emphasizing scholarly expertise and independent interpretation within established frameworks.