The Quran: The Cornerstone of Islamic Law

Ayatollah Sobhani's call to prioritise the Holy Book in contemporary jurisprudence.

A renewed call to center the Quran in Islamic legal thought has been issued by the distinguished Shia scholar, Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani. He asserts that the Quran must be the primary source for jurisprudential rulings, preceding reliance on other sources such as traditions. This approach, he argues, is crucial for the dynamism and relevance of Islamic law in the modern world.

Ayatollah Sobhani highlighted the unique Shia methodology of categorising Quranic verses by their legal implications, a system that has garnered appreciation even from Sunni scholars. He pointed out that many verses, often viewed as purely ethical in nature, in fact, contain significant legal guidance that can enrich Islamic jurisprudence. A deeper engagement with these verses, he suggests, is key to addressing the evolving needs of our societies.

In a move to foster greater understanding and dialogue between Islamic schools of thought, Ayatollah Sobhani proposed that a study of Shia works such as Ayat al-Ahkam by Sunni scholars could illuminate shared principles and points of divergence. To make these profound scholarly works more accessible, he also recommended the creation of an abridged version of the encyclopedia for the benefit of students and researchers. This initiative promises to open new avenues for intellectual exchange and a more Quran-centric understanding of Islamic law.

Source: ABNA