The Zahiris Their Doctrine and History

The Zahiris Their Doctrine and History

What was the Zahiri school of Islamic law, and why did this literalist approach remain a minority voice despite its strict adherence to the apparent meaning of the Qur’an and Sunnah?

About the Book

The Zahiris Their Doctrine and History by Ignaz Goldziher is a pioneering scholarly study of the Zahiri school of Islamic jurisprudence. The Zahiris, founded by Dawud al-Zahiri in the 9th century, insisted on a strictly literal interpretation of the Qur’an and hadith, rejecting analogical reasoning (qiyas) and excessive use of personal opinion. Goldziher examines the origins, key figures, and theological positions of the Zahiri school, as well as the reasons it remained a minority madhhab compared to the four major Sunni schools.

What You Will Discover

• The origins and founder of the Zahiri school of Islamic law
• The Zahiri principle of strict literal interpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah
• The rejection of qiyas and other methods of legal reasoning
• Key Zahiri scholars and their contributions to Islamic thought
• The historical development and eventual decline of the Zahiri school
• Comparisons between Zahiri doctrine and the four major Sunni legal schools
• The significance of literalism in the broader history of Islamic jurisprudence

About the Author

Ignaz Goldziher (1850–1921) was one of the most influential Western scholars of Islam and a pioneer in the critical study of Islamic law and theology.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is essential for students and researchers of Islamic law, theology, and the history of Islamic schools of thought.