HADITH SOURCES IN THE HANAFI SCHOOL OF ISLAMIC LAW

Abstract

The Hanafi school of Islamic law, founded by Imam Abu Hanifa (699–767 CE), is one of the most influential and widely practiced legal traditions within Sunni Islam. Despite the common assumption that the Hanafi madhhab places limited emphasis on Hadith, historical and textual evidence clearly demonstrates a strong, structured, and consistent engagement with Prophetic traditions. Hanafi jurists relied on Hadith as a fundamental source of law while applying rigorous methodological criteria to evaluate their authenticity and legal relevance. This article examines the principal Hadith sources used in the Hanafi school and analyzes the principles governing their acceptance and application. By exploring early Hanafi legal compilations, classical Sunni Hadith collections, and madhhab-specific Hadith works, the study highlights the central role of Hadith in Hanafi jurisprudence and clarifies the school’s distinctive and balanced legal methodology.