Mohammedan Law, also known as Islamic Law or Muslim Law, is derived from various sources that guide the religious, social, and legal aspects of the lives of Muslims. These sources collectively help in forming the legal framework for Muslims. The primary sources of Mohammedan Law are as follows: The Quran: The Quran is the holy book of Islam and is considered the ultimate and most authoritative source of Islamic law. It is believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Many legal principles and guidelines are derived directly from the Quran. While it may not address all legal matters explicitly, it provides moral and ethical foundations that guide the development of legal principles. Hadith: Hadith refers to the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad. Hadiths offer insights into how the Prophet interpreted and applied the teachings of the Quran in various situations. These traditions are considered second in importance to the Quran in deriving legal principles. Different collections of hadiths are ranked based on their authenticity, and scholars study and analyze them to derive legal rulings. Ijma' (Consensus): Ijma' refers to the consensus of the Muslim community's scholars on a particular legal issue. When there is a consensus among qualified scholars about a legal ruling, it becomes a valid source of Islamic law. Ijma' represents the collective wisdom of the Islamic legal tradition. Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning): Qiyas involves applying established legal principles to new or similar situations that are not explicitly covered by the Quran or hadith. Scholars use analogical reasoning to extend existing legal rulings to address contemporary issues. This process requires a deep understanding of the foundational principles of Islamic law. Ijtihad (Personal Reasoning): Ijtihad refers to the independent interpretation and reasoning applied by qualified scholars to derive legal rulings. This source is more applicable when there are no clear precedents available in the primary sources. In earlier centuries, prominent scholars played a significant role in ijtihad, but its usage has evolved over time due to the crystallization of legal doctrines. Urf (Customary Practices): Urf refers to local customs and practices prevalent in a particular society. While Islamic law is rooted in the Quran and hadith, it also takes into account the cultural and social context of a community. If a customary practice aligns with Islamic principles, it may be considered in legal decisions. Istihalah (Legal Fiction): Istihalah involves the transformation of an impure substance into a pure one, or vice versa. This concept is used in matters related to Islamic finance and transactions, where the legal status of a commodity may change through certain processes. Sad Al-Dhara'i (Blocking the Means): This principle involves prohibiting actions that might lead to forbidden outcomes. It aims to prevent individuals from engaging in activities that could lead to violating Islamic law indirectly. These sources interact and complement each other to form the foundation of Mohammedan Law. Legal scholars and jurists analyze and interpret these sources to derive rulings and guidance for various aspects of Muslims' lives, including family law, inheritance, contracts, and more.