Shariah, Fiqh, and Usul-al-Fiqh

Understanding the terminological framework is vital for legal theory.

• Usul-al-Fiqh: A comprehensive study of Islamic law begins with the definition of Usul-al-Fiqh.
• Fiqh: Literally means understanding and discernment. Imam Abu Hanifa technically defined Fiqh as 'a person's knowledge of his rights and duties'.
• Shariah vs. Fiqh: Shariah is the law itself, while Fiqh is the science of law (the human understanding/knowledge of that law).
• Legal System Equivalent: The exact equivalent of 'Law' in the Islamic legal system is Hukm-e-Shari.
• As per Islamic Jurisprudence by Prof Imran Ahsan Khan Niazi, the literal meaning of the term 'Asl' is Something upon which another thing is built/originates.