Zufar’s Analogical Deductions and their Impact on Hanafi Jurisprudence: Applied Examples

Abstract

Zufar ibn al-Hudhayl ​​is considered one of the most prominent disciples of Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man and one of the most influential figures in the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. Consequently, he serves as the focal point of this research, titled "Zufar’s Analogical Deductions (*Qiyas*) and their Impact on Hanafi Jurisprudence." The study is organized into seven sections, preceded by an introduction and followed by a conclusion summarizing the key findings. Across these seven sections, the research examines the life and background of Imam Zufar, highlighting his distinctive methodological principles and the guidelines he followed. It also explores specific instances of Zufar’s analogical reasoning within various chapters of jurisprudence to demonstrate the impact of these deductions on the Hanafi school. The study employs a combination of descriptive-analytical, inductive, and deductive methodologies. It yields a number of findings, most notably:

- Zufar is considered one of the foremost authorities on *qiyās* (analogical reasoning) within the Hanafi school; indeed, he became known for his extensive reliance on this method and his application of it in deriving legal rulings.

- Zufar’s analogical deductions did not, on the whole, contradict the fundamental principles of the Hanafi school; rather, they were distinguished by a broad application of *qiyās* and a strict adherence to it—an approach that, at times, led him to differ from Abu Hanifa and his two companions.