History and Concepts of the Maliki School of Jurisprudence

Sejarah dan Konsep Pemikiran Fikih Mazhab Maliki

Abstract

Imam Malik is one of the four Imams of the School of Thought who has a great influence in various fields of Islam. One of his specialties is his expertise in the science of fiqh and hadith. With his deep understanding and ijtihad method, Imam Malik became a famous scholar in various corners of the world. Many people from various regions came to gain knowledge from him, so that his assembly was always filled with seekers of knowledge. He gave fatwas and taught until he was around 70 years old. The scholars agree on his morals, nobility, piety, and commitment to the sunnah. The Maliki School of Thought has several characteristics that distinguish it from other schools of thought and have influenced its development. First, the Maliki School refers to the religious practices of the people of Medina, considering that the city was the place where the Prophet Muhammad was. Second, Imam Malik made mashalih al-mursalah a source of law, namely considerations of welfare that are not explicitly determined in the sharia. Third, he adhered to the fatwas of the companions (qaul sahabi), who were the early generation of Islam and were close to the Prophet and the Ansar. Fourth, Imam Malik applied istihsan in various issues, such as the worker guarantee system, support for bakery and mill owners, equality of public service costs, and witness requirements in the implementation of qisas. Fifth, he gave a special position to the sunnah in determining the law.