The Level of Ijtihād of Imām al-Bābartī "an Analytical Jurisprudential Study"

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the level of ijtihād attained by Imām al-Bābartī by examining key scholarly themes related to his juristic reasoning within the Ḥanafī school. It clarifies the recognized classifications of ijtihād in the madhhab and identifies the juristic roles and functions exercised by Imām al-Bābartī in his scholarly works. The study also seeks to precisely determine his rank of ijtihād in light of these criteria, presenting a clear picture of his juristic status through inductive and analytical methodologies.

One of the main findings is that Imām al-Bābartī is considered among the leading scholars of the late eighth century AH. He belongs to the class of later mujtahids in the Ḥanafī school and attained a high rank in jurisprudence, namely that of a “faqīh. ”

The study further emphasizes the importance of identifying prominent jurists and their levels of ijtihād, as this aids in understanding juristic methodology and the reasons behind differing scholarly opinions.