Sunni Schools of Thought and Jurists
There are 4 major Sunni Schools of Law, representing distinct systems of interpretation rather than distinct sects:
- Hanafi School: Founded by Imam Abu Hanifa (Real name: Nauman Bin Sabit). He lived in the era 80-150 AH, was born in Kufa, and died at Baghdad. His teacher was Hammad Ibn Sulaiman, and his primary pupils were Imam Yousaf & Imam Muhammad.
- Maliki School: Founded by Imam Malik (Real name: Ans bin Malik (R.A)). Lived 93-179 AH, based in Madina, and died in Madina. His teachers were Rabiyahr Ra'l & Ibn Hurmaz; his pupils included Hisham ibn Urwah & Ibn Shihab al-Zuhri.
- Shafi'i School: Founded by Imam Shafi'i (Real name: Muhammad ibn e Idrees al-shaafi). Lived 150-204 AH, born in Gaza, died at Al-Fustat, Egypt. Teacher: Imam Malik; Pupil: Imam Abu Yaqub Al-Buwayศi.
- Hanbali School: Founded by Imam Ahmad ibn e Hanbal. Lived 164-241 AH in Baghdad, and died in Baghdad. Teacher: Imam Jaafar al-sadiq; Pupils: Abu Al-Hasan & Abu Bakr Al-Athram.