Development of Fiqh literature: Review of Mughal period

Article Information

Title: Development of Fiqh literature: Review of Mughal period

Journal: Pakistan Research Journal of Social Sciences (PRJSS)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30

Publisher: Centre of Excellence for Research and Development SMC pvt ltd

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 2

Issue: 1

Language: English

Keywords: DevelopmentSultanateMEDIEVAL INDIAFiqh LiteratureMughal Period

Abstract

Fiqh was one of the most important subjects of Islamic learning during Muslim rule in India which is generally known as Medieval India. The Ulama of this period took special interest in this subject as most of them who came from different parts of Central Asia were jurists. Secondly, learning of Fiqh was considered important for seeking nearness of sultan or getting some administrative posts. So it formed a popular branch of learning for teaching as well as writing books. On the other hand, the rulers of that period especially the early Sultans showed interest in the promotion of this science either under the influence of the Ulama of their court or due to administration requirement. They patronized and encouraged particularly those Ulama who contributed to Islamic jurisprudence through teaching and writing. The Madaris or institution of Islamic learning came to be established under the state's patronage from the very early period of the Muslim rule in India and their number continued to increase with expansion of the Muslim rule. Islamic jurisprudence formed essential part of the curriculum of Madaris of those days India. The present work is an analytical study of the Arabic flqh literature produced in India. It is a humble attempt to provide necessary information about the Arabic fiqii works written by the Indian Ulama. It gives an insight into the development of fiqh literature through different periods of Muslim rule in India (Sultanate and Mughal period.)

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To provide an analytical study of the Arabic Fiqh literature produced in India, focusing on its development during the Sultanate and Mughal periods.

Methodology

Analytical study of Arabic Fiqh literature.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Review of existing Fiqh literature from Sultanate and Mughal periods"] --> B["Analytical study of Arabic Fiqh works"];
    B --> C["Identification of key authors, texts, and contributions"];
    C --> D["Analysis of the role of rulers and institutions"];
    D --> E["Assessment of the development and characteristics of Fiqh literature"];
    E --> F["Conclusion on the development of Fiqh literature in India"];

Discussion

The paper traces the historical development of Fiqh literature from the early Islamic period through the Sultanate and into the Mughal era in India. It emphasizes the role of jurists, rulers, and educational institutions (Madaris) in fostering the study and compilation of Fiqh works. The dominance of the Hanafi school of thought in India is noted, alongside the continued use of Arabic as the primary language for scholarly works despite the rise of Persian.

Key Findings

Fiqh was a significant subject of Islamic learning in Medieval India, with scholars and rulers showing interest in its development. The Mughal period saw a continuation and expansion of Fiqh literature, with notable contributions in commentaries, Fatawa, and treatises on specific issues. The Fatawa-i-'Alamgiri is highlighted as a particularly important work from this era.

Conclusion

The study concludes that Fiqh literature experienced significant development in India, particularly during the Mughal period, with substantial contributions from Indian scholars and patronage from rulers. The legacy of this literature continues to be relevant, with works like Fatawa-i-'Alamgiri still referenced.

Fact Check

- The paper states that the Mughal Empire ruled over India for approximately three hundred years (1526-1857). This is factually correct.
- It mentions that Fatawa-i-'Alamgiri was compiled in Arabic at the instance of Emperor Aurangzeb by a board of scholars headed by Shaikh Nizam Burhanpuri (d. 1679 AD). This is a widely accepted historical account.
- The paper notes that the Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 AD. This date is historically accurate.

Mind Map

Loading PDF...

Loading Statistics...

DefinePK

Select Collection