Sciences of Shari'ah

Auxiliary Sciences

Auxiliary sciences include:

• Arabic Grammar – The foundation for understanding Islamic texts.
• Principles of Jurisprudence [أصول الفقه] – Rules for deriving Islamic laws.
• Science of Hadith [مصطلح الحديث] – Principles for authenticating and understanding hadith.
• Science of Qur'an [علوم القرآن] – Various disciplines related to the study of the Qur'an.

Objective Sciences

Objective sciences encompass:

• ‘Aqeedah – The study of Islamic creed and beliefs.
• Fiqh – Islamic jurisprudence and the application of Shari'ah.
• Tafseer – The exegesis and interpretation of the Qur'an.

The Eight Core Islamic Sciences

Historically, scholars have pursued eight primary Islamic sciences:

1. Qur'an
2. Sunnah (i.e., hadith)
3. ‘Aqeedah (i.e., beliefs)
4. Fiqh (jurisprudence)
5. Manners [الأداب والأخلاق]
6. History [تاريخ]
7. Arabic Language
8. Reminders [مواعظ]

Concerning the Qur'an

• At-Tajweed – Proper pronunciation and recitation.
• Al-Qiraa’aat – Different modes of Qur'anic recitation.
• At-Tafseer – Interpretation of the Qur'an.
• ‘Uloom al-Qur'an – Sciences related to the Qur'an.
• Usool at-Tafseer – Principles of Qur'anic exegesis.

Concerning the Sunnah

• Memorization of Hadith – Committing the sayings and actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to memory.
• Mustalah al-Hadith [مصطلح الحديث] – Study of hadith classification and criticism.
• Explanation of Hadiths [شروح الأحاديث] – Commentary and analysis of hadith.

Concerning ‘Aqeedah

• Pillars of Eemaan – Core elements of Islamic belief.
• Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah – Monotheism focusing on the worship of Allah alone. (Note: An essential aspect of Tawheed to emphasize, particularly when inviting others to Islam, is Tawheed ar-Ruboobiyyah).
• Misguided Sects – A study of the first five major sects in Islamic history:
  1. Al-Jahmiyyah
  2. Al-Khawaarij
  3. Al-Murji’ah
  4. Ash-Shee’ah
  5. Al-Qadariyyah

Concerning Fiqh

• Jurisprudence [الفقه] – The application of Islamic law.
• Principles of Jurisprudence [أصول الفقه] – Methodology for deriving legal rulings.
• Jurisprudential Maxims [القواعد الفقهية] – Fundamental legal principles.

Note: The study of fiqh is often guided by the specific madhhab (school of thought) one follows.

Concerning Manners

Manners are a significant aspect of Islamic learning. Scholars have been known to dedicate years to learning and embodying the manners of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions.

Concerning History

• Beginning of Creation – Stories of creation, such as that of Adam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
• Seerah – Biographies of the Prophets, especially Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
• Khulafaa ar-Raashideen – The rightly-guided Caliphs.
• Islamic Caliphates – Including the Umawiyyah, ‘Abbaasiyyah, and ‘Uthmaaniyyah dynasties.
• Contemporary History – Up to the present day.
• Ahaadeeth al-Fitan [أحاديث الفتن] – Prophecies and narrations regarding trials and tribulations.

Concerning the Arabic Language

• Grammar [النحو] – The rules of Arabic syntax.
• Morphology [الصرف] – Study of word formation.
• Eloquence [البلاغة] – Articulation and rhetoric in Arabic.
• Vocabulary Science [تعريف علم المفردات] – Understanding the meanings and uses of words.

Concerning Reminders

This science focuses on mawaa’idh [مواعظ], or reminders and exhortations, which aim to inspire and instill taqwa (God-consciousness).

Further Reading

For more in-depth study, explore our recommended resources on the eight main Islamic sciences:

• Essential Resources on the Eight Main Islamic Sciences