The Four Sunni Schools
The four major Sunni schools (madhāhib) of Islamic jurisprudence each developed distinct methodologies for deriving rulings from the Quran and Sunnah. Pick a school to browse its rulings on worship, transactions, family law, and more.
Hanafi School
المذهب الحنفيFounded by Imam Abu Hanifa (699-767 CE). Largest school of Islamic jurisprudence.
Maliki School
المذهب المالكيFounded by Imam Malik ibn Anas (711-795 CE). Predominant in North and West Africa.
Shafi'i School
المذهب الشافعيFounded by Imam al-Shafi'i (767-820 CE). Predominant in Southeast Asia and East Africa.
Hanbali School
المذهب الحنبليFounded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780-855 CE). Predominant in the Arabian Peninsula.
A note on AI-generated fiqh content
The rulings shown here are AI-assisted summaries grounded in primary sources, not replacements for qualified scholarly guidance. They have not yet been reviewed by certified scholars from any of the four schools. For practical religious decisions, consult a qualified scholar of your tradition.