The Maliki school of thought is one of the four major Sunni Islamic legal schools, founded by the scholar Malik ibn Anas in the 8th century. It emphasizes the importance of the practices of the people of Medina as a primary source of Islamic law, alongside the Qur'an and Hadith. Maliki jurisprudence is known for its flexibility and adaptability, allowing for local customs and practices to influence legal rulings. This school is predominantly followed in regions of North and West Africa, as well as parts of the Arabian Peninsula, making it a significant tradition within the broader Islamic legal framework.