Sources of Islamic Law

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the primary and secondary sources of Islamic law, legal classifications, units of measurement, and jurisprudence principles from O Level Islamiyat.

Meccan Verses

Quranic verses revealed in Mecca that primarily address philosophical and theological issues.

Medinan Verses

Quranic verses revealed in Medina that are primarily concerned with socio-economic laws.

Muhkamat

Decisive Quranic verses considered as Nass (absolute categorical decrees) containing Awamir (orders) and Nawahi (prohibitions) that convey a clear meaning and scope.

Nass

Express, categorical Quranic commandments that convey an unambiguous meaning and scope.

Awamir

Divine orders or positive commandments contained within decisive Quranic verses.

Nawahi

Prohibitions or matters forbidden by Allah contained within decisive Quranic verses.

Mutashabehat

Allegorical Quranic verses whose meanings are open to interpretation, often leading to diversity of legal opinions.

Asl

The original case, foundation, or primary source of Islamic legal thinking (specifically the Quran and Sunnah) upon which legal reasoning is built.

Sunnah

The second primary source of Islamic law consisting of the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, used to explain, detail, or supplement the Quran.

Nisab

The minimum qualifying threshold of wealth or property upon which the obligation of Charity Tax (Zakat) becomes due.

Wasq

A traditional unit of measure for agricultural produce, defined as $425\,\text{pounds}$ or $135\,\text{kg}$, with a Zakat threshold of $5\,\text{Wasq}$.

Uqiya

A historical unit of measure for silver, defined as $14\,\text{pounds}$ or $128\,\text{grams}$, with a Zakat threshold of $5\,\text{Uqiya}$.

Ijma'

The third source of Islamic law, defined as the consensus of scholars or legal authorities when primary sources do not provide a direct solution to a new issue.

Qiyas

The fourth source of Islamic law, defined as analogical reasoning where an expert resolves a new situation (Far') by comparing it to principles in the primary sources (Asl).

Far'

The new branch, modern case, or secondary situation being evaluated and compared to the original source (Asl) in the method of Qiyas.

'Illah

The underlying cause, effective rationale, or common attribute linking a new situation (Far') to the original ruling (Asl) in Qiyas.

Khamr

An intoxicant originally produced by fermenting grapes or dates, prohibited by the Quran and used as the legal precedent (Asl) to forbid all intoxicating substances.

Dower

An obligatory financial payment or gift mandated by the Quran (4:24) given by the groom to the bride upon marriage.