Qiyas (Arabic: قياس) in Islam is a method of analogical reasoning used in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) to derive rulings. By comparing a new issue to a similar one with an established ruling, Qiyas ensures that Islamic law remains dynamic and applicable to changing circumstances, always aligned with the principles of justice and the guidance of Allah.
Meaning of Qiyas
- Linguistic Definition:
- The term Qiyas is derived from the Arabic root q-y-s, meaning “to measure, compare, or assess.”
- Islamic Understanding:
- Qiyas is a process of applying an existing ruling from a known case (asl) to a new case (farʿ) based on a shared reason (illah), or effective cause. This reasoning maintains the consistency and logic of Islamic law.
Importance of Qiyas
- Extension of Divine Guidance:
- Qiyas ensures that Islamic principles continue to provide answers for contemporary issues while staying faithful to the Quran.
- Adaptability of Islamic Law:
- By addressing new circumstances, Qiyas demonstrates the flexibility and universality of Islamic teachings.
- Preservation of Justice:
- Qiyas allows for the application of established principles to new scenarios, ensuring fairness and continuity in rulings.
Sources and Basis of Qiyas
Qiyas is based on the Quran:
- Offers established rulings agreed upon by scholars, which can serve as a foundation for analogy.
Qiyas is applied to ensure that new cases are addressed in a way consistent with Islamic values.
The Process of Qiyas
The application of Qiyas involves four essential components:
- Asl (Original Case):
- A case with an established ruling in the Quran.
- Far‘ (New Case):
- A new issue that requires a ruling.
- Illah (Effective Cause):
- The shared reason or rationale that connects the original and new cases.
- Hukm (Ruling):
- The legal ruling derived for the new case based on the analogy.
Examples of Qiyas
- Prohibition of Intoxicants:
- The Quran explicitly prohibits wine because of its intoxicating nature (illah). Using Qiyas, scholars extend this prohibition to other intoxicants, such as drugs.
- Zakat on Modern Forms of Wealth:
- The Quran mandates Zakat on specific forms of wealth, like gold and silver (asl). Through Qiyas, the same ruling applies to contemporary forms of wealth, such as cash or bank savings (farʿ), based on their shared function as assets of value.
- Use of Modern Transactions:
- Analogical reasoning has been used to apply the principles of trade and partnership in the Quran to modern financial tools, such as investments or digital transactions.
Conditions for Valid Qiyas
- Presence of an Established Ruling:
- There must be a clear ruling in the Quran to serve as the asl.
- Identifiable Illah:
- The effective cause (illah) must be explicitly stated or logically evident.
- Absence of Contradictions:
- The derived ruling must not conflict with established Islamic principles or rulings.
- Relevance and Similarity:
- The farʿ must be genuinely comparable to the asl in its essential characteristics.
Limitations of Qiyas
- Requires Expert Knowledge:
- Qiyas can only be performed by qualified scholars with a deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and its sources.
- Subject to Interpretation:
- Differences in identifying the illah can lead to varying rulings among scholars.
- Not Used for Core Beliefs:
- Qiyas is not applied to matters of faith (aqidah) or acts of worship (ibadah), which are strictly based on the Quran.
Significance in Islamic Jurisprudence
- Maintaining Relevance:
- Qiyas allows Islamic law to address modern issues like technology, finance, and medical ethics.
- Promoting Consistency:
- By basing new rulings on established principles, Qiyas ensures that Islamic law remains coherent and logically consistent.
- Encouraging Intellectual Effort:
- Qiyas reflects the importance of reason and effort (ijtihad) in preserving and applying divine guidance.
Conclusion
Qiyas is a powerful tool in Islamic jurisprudence that enables scholars to derive rulings for new circumstances by applying established principles through analogical reasoning. It demonstrates the flexibility of Islamic law, ensuring its continued relevance while upholding its foundational values of justice and divine guidance. Through Qiyas, Muslims are able to address the evolving complexities of life while staying true to their faith.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.