Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning)
Legal analogy used to derive Islamic rules for new situations based on established rules.
Qiyas is the fourth source of Islamic jurisprudence after the Quran, the Sunnah, and ijma' (consensus). It is a method of analogical reasoning where a legal rule for a new situation is derived by identifying a common cause ('illah) with an already regulated situation.
In prayer legislation, qiyas is used, for example, to establish rules for situations not directly mentioned in the Quran or Sunnah. Imam Abu Hanifah was the most prominent advocate of qiyas. Imam al-Shafi'i formalized the qiyas methodology in his "al-Risalah" with strict conditions for its valid application.
Not all schools of law accept qiyas to the same degree. The Zahiri school rejected qiyas entirely, while the Hanbali school used it sparingly. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: "I do not use qiyas unless it is absolutely necessary." The discussion about the role of qiyas is fundamental to understanding why the different schools of law can reach different conclusions from the same sacred texts.
Related terms
Muwalat (Continuity in Prayer)
The requirement of continuous and coherent performance of the prayer's parts.
Salat al-Musafir (Traveler's Prayer)
The shortened prayers that travelers perform while traveling.
Hujjah (Proof/Divine Authority)
Allah's proof over humanity — a title for the Prophet and the twelve Imams.
Salat al-Duha (Forenoon Prayer)
A voluntary prayer performed after sunrise and before noon, with great reward according to the narrations.
Tabi'in (The Successors)
The generation of Muslims who met the Prophet's companions but did not themselves meet the Prophet.
Ziyarah (Visitation Prayer)
Visitation and greeting to the Prophet, the Imams, and holy persons at their graves.