Islamic education
The Four Madhhabs
Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools.
A madhhab is a structured method of deriving rulings from Qur’an and Sunnah, preserved by great imams. Ordinary Muslims follow one school for consistency; switching without knowledge causes confusion.
The four imams
- Abu Hanifa (d. 150 AH) — Hanafi, strong in ‘Iraq/Central Asia/Turkey
- Malik ibn Anas (d. 179 AH) — Maliki, Madinah/West Africa
- Al-Shafi‘i (d. 204 AH) — Shafi‘i, Egypt/Southeast Asia
- Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 241 AH) — Hanbali, Arabia
Why differences exist
Scholars may weigh evidence differently, or follow authentic reports the other school did not prioritize. Difference within Ahl al-Sunnah is a mercy when respected with adab.
Practical advice
- Learn your local masjid’s madhhab
- Do not pick rulings like a buffet without scholarship
- In congregation, follow the imam even if he differs from your school on valid issues