usul al-fiqh
Usul al-fiqh is the study of the principles and methodologies used in Islamic jurisprudence. It provides the framework for deriving legal rulings from the primary sources of Islamic law, which include the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad).
This discipline helps scholars understand how to interpret texts and apply them to various situations. By establishing rules for reasoning and deduction, usul al-fiqh ensures that legal decisions are consistent and grounded in Islamic teachings, allowing for a structured approach to addressing contemporary issues within the Muslim community.