ASPECTS OF JURISPRUDENTIAL RENEWAL IN IMAM AL-SHAFI'I'S AL-UMM: THE BOOK OF PURIFICATION AS A MODEL

Abstract

Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i (d. 204 AH) is considered one of the most prominent Islamic scholars who contributed to the renewal and development of Islamic jurisprudence. This research aims to shed light on aspects of jurisprudential renewal by Imam al-Shafi'i through the study of his book "Al-Umm," focusing on the "Book of Purification" as an applied model. The importance of the research lies in understanding the genius of Imam al-Shafi'i and his renewal methodology, highlighting the esteemed position of "Al-Umm" among classical jurisprudential works, and elucidating the impact of this renewal on subsequent jurists and how to benefit from it in the contemporary renewal field. The research centers around the main question: Is there jurisprudential renewal by Imam al-Shafi'i in his book "Al-Umm," and what is its nature? Sub-questions emerge concerning the impact of this renewal on later jurists and how to utilize it in the current era. The research adopted the inductive analytical method by tracing the particulars mentioned in "Al-Umm" to uncover manifestations of jurisprudential renewal within it. The researchers concluded that jurisprudential renewal by al-Shafi'i in "Al-Umm" encompasses three aspects: methodological—relying on accepted sources of reception in order; technical—related to the formulation of chapters and issues and their presentation style; and substantive—connected to the established truths and meanings derived from combining evidences, distinguishing between rulings, and jurisprudential rules. The research also recommended conducting more scientific studies on renewal in Imam al-Shafi'i's works, practically benefiting from his methodology in jurisprudential dissertations, and undertaking studies on his methods of deduction and application.