The role of Sheikh Al-Mufid in developing the science of Usul Al-Fiqh: A descriptive comparative study in the book Al-Tadhkira

Abstract

The importance of this research lies in highlighting the role of Sheikh Al-Mufid (may God elevate his status) - who died in 413 AH - in the development of the science of Usul al-Fiqh, which he taught and wrote. The research addresses a descriptive study of the book "At-Tadhkira bi-Usul al-Fiqh," which represents a summary of Sheikh Al-Mufid's (may God sanctify his secret) Usul al-Fiqh (the book of Remembrance of the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence). This study reflects the methodology of research, teaching, and writing in Usul al-Fiqh in the fourth and fifth centuries AH, which represents the pinnacle of these disciplines, established four centuries ago. Its essence was captured in these two centuries, and these influences and activities remain the foundation upon which jurisprudential and Usul al-Fiqh activities are based to this day. The research also compares the book "At-Tadhkira" in terms of its structure and principles of deduction with the book "Al-Fusul fi 'Ilm al-Usul" by Abu Bakr Al-Jassas Al-Razi Al-Hanafi (who died in 371 AH), one of the most comprehensive Sunni texts of that era. Both men were scholars in their fields and leaders of their schools of thought.