Shia jurisprudence refers to the legal framework and principles followed by Shia Muslims in interpreting Islamic law, or Sharia. It is based on the teachings of the Quran, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, and the interpretations of the Imams, who are considered the rightful leaders in Shia Islam. The main schools of thought within Shia jurisprudence include the Ja'fari school, named after Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, and others like the Zaydi and Ismaili traditions. These schools differ in their methodologies and sources of law, but all emphasize the importance of reasoning and scholarly interpretation in understanding religious obligations.