ABSTRACT
The sources of law which constitute part of the science of the principles of jurisprudence, termed ‘ußul al-fiqh’, are discussed in this chapter. It is therefore appropriate to begin by defining this science. Several attempts to advance a suitable definition have been made, most of which have been criticised for being either too long, incomplete or containing unnecessary information. Nevertheless, some quite sufficient definitions have been advanced, including that suggested by Fakhr al-Djn al-Rhzj. He states that
Ußul al-fiqh is the aggregate, considered per se, of legal proofs and evidences that when studied correctly will lead either to certain knowledge of a sharj‘ah ruling, or to at least a reasonable assumption concerning the source, the manner by which such proofs are adduced, and the status of the adducer.1
