XLVI.—THE FOUR ORTHODOX
SECTS.
There are four orthodox sects or schools of interpretation amongst the Sunnís, the Hanifi, the Sháfaʾí, the Málikí, and the Hambalí.
1. The Hanifis are found in Turkey, Central Asia, and North India. The founder of this sect was Imám Abu Hanífa, who was born at Koofa, the capital of Irák, A.D. 702, or A.H. 80, at which time four of the "Prophet's" companions were still alive. He is the great oracle of jurisprudence, and (with his two pupils Imám Abu Yusaf and Imám Muhammad) was the founder of the Hanifi Code of Law.[1]
2. The Sháfaʾías are found in South India and Egypt. The founder of this school of interpretation was Imam Muhammad ibn i Idrís al Shafaʾí, who was born at Askalon, in Palestine, A.D. 772 (A.H. 150).
3. The Málikís prevail in Morocco, Barbary, and other parts of Africa, and were founded by Imám Málik, who was born at Madina, A.D. 716 (A.H. 93). He enjoyed the personal acquaintance of Hanífa, and he was considered the most learned man of his time.
4, The Hambalis were founded by Imám Abu ʾAbdulláh Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hambal, who was born at Bagdad, A.D. 786 (A.H. 164). He attended the lectures delivered by Shafaʾí, by whom he was instructed in the traditions. His followers are found in Eastern Arabia, and in some parts of Africa, but it is the least popular of the four schools of interpretation. They have no Muftí at Mecca, whilst the other three sects are represented there. The Wahhábís rose from this sect.
From the disciples of these four great Imáms have proceeded an immense number of commentaries and other works, all differing on a variety of points in their constructions, although coinciding in their general principles.
- ↑ A Digest of the Hanifi Code of Law has been published in English by Mr. N. B. E. Baillie.