The four great schools of Islamic jurisprudence โ each a complete framework of fiqh built on Quran, Sunnah, Ijma & Qiyas.
The largest madhab globally, known for its extensive use of Qiyas (analogical reasoning) and Istihsan (juristic preference). Dominant in South Asia, Turkey, and Central Asia.
Founded in Madinah, this madhab gives special weight to the "Amal ahl al-Madinah" (practice of the people of Madinah) as a source of Sunnah. Dominant in North and West Africa.
Known as the "Father of Usool al-Fiqh," Imam Shafi'i systematized Islamic jurisprudence in his landmark work Al-Risala. Dominant in Southeast Asia and East Africa.
The most text-literal of the four madhabs, giving maximum preference to Quran and authentic Sunnah over rational methods. Dominant in Saudi Arabia and Arabian Peninsula.
"The differences of my Ummah are a mercy."
โ Widely reported statement among scholars