روح الاصول

ABOUT THE BOOK

This book is among the most valuable works written on the subject of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (uṣūl al-fiqh). Dr. Saʿīd Fawdah has adopted the methodology of the theologians (al-mutakallimīn) in writing on uṣūl al-fiqh, and in doing so has presented a beautiful example of the approach of the verified scholars.

The distinguished scholar Saʿīd Fawdah has excelled in this book by clearly demonstrating an essential concept: that the science of legal principles governs jurisprudence and is inseparable from theology and rational inquiry. This is because jurisprudence is the science of deriving practical legal rulings, while theology (kalām) is the science of deriving doctrinal beliefs, and both disciplines are built upon evidences—textual proofs in matters of belief, and detailed evidences that indicate comprehensive rulings and foundational principles in uṣūl al-fiqh.

This book includes discussions on command and prohibition, general and specific expressions, absolute and qualified terms, verbal and rational proofs, and universal evidences as understood by the people of truth, such as the Qur’an, Sunnah, consensus (ijmāʿ), analogical reasoning (qiyās), and independent reasoning (ijtihād)—in both foundational principles and subsidiary rulings.

Thus, this book brings together precision in research, depth of analysis, clarity of vision, and lofty scholarly refinement, enriching the reader with that which gives new life to the science of legal principles.