Linguistically, the Arabic term fiqh carries several meanings, including “understanding” and “deep, precise comprehension.” In the Islamic context, it refers to the knowledge of Islamic rulings concerning practical matters, derived from detailed and authoritative evidence.

The subject matter of fiqh encompasses acts of worship and human transactions, along with their legal classifications: obligation, prohibition, recommendation, reprehensibility, and permissibility. These rulings govern all aspects of human behavior, including prayer, fasting, zakāh, commercial dealings such as buying, leasing, gifting, and mortgaging, as well as matters related to criminal conduct, warfare, and social responsibility.

Compared to man-made legal systems, Islamic fiqh possesses distinctive characteristics that render it unique and superior in its scope, moral foundation, and comprehensiveness. These qualities become evident when examining the primary sources of Islamic law from which its rulings are derived.