The Use of Hadith in Islamic Legal Theory (Usul al-Fiqh): A Historical and Jurisprudential Analysis

This study offers a comprehensive historical and jurisprudential analysis of the role and utilization of Hadith in the development of Islamic legal theory (Usul al-Fiqh). It traces the evolution of Hadith as a primary source of Islamic law alongside the Qur’an, emphasizing its function in shaping legal norms, methodologies, and juristic reasoning across various Islamic schools of thought. The research explores the early skepticism surrounding the authenticity of Hadith, the methodological rigor developed by scholars to verify narrations (isnad and matn criticism), and the eventual institutionalization of Hadith within classical jurisprudence. Particular attention is given to the divergent approaches of major Sunni schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali—in incorporating Hadith into legal derivation, as well as the varying weight given to solitary (ahad) versus mass-transmitted (Mutawatir) reports. Additionally, the study examines the interface between Hadith and other sources of law such as consensus (ijma‘), analogical reasoning (qiyas), and public interest (Maslahah), highlighting ongoing debates over the boundaries and hierarchy of legal sources. By integrating both historical context and doctrinal analysis, this work elucidates how Hadith has served not only as a reservoir of prophetic guidance but also as a dynamic tool for legal reasoning and moral deliberation in Islamic jurisprudence. The study concludes by reflecting on the contemporary relevance of Hadith in modern Islamic legal discourse and reformist thought.