Studying a fiqh book is not just about reading through the rulings or finishing a chapter. The aim is to understand what the author is saying, learn the terms used by the fuqaha and know how to apply the rulings correctly.
1. Read the Matn Several Times
Before opening a commentary, read the text yourself a few times. Take your time and try to understand the meaning of each sentence. If you come across something difficult, mark it and return to it later. Do not rush just to finish the book. The aim is to understand what you are reading.
2. Learn the Common Terms Used in Fiqh
Every subject has its own terminology, and fiqh is no different. Learning these terms will make it much easier to understand the rulings. Start by learning terms such as fard, wajib, sunnah, mustahabb, makruh, sahih, fasid, batil, rukn and shart. Remember that some terms can have different meanings depending on the madhhab, so make sure you understand how they are used in the book you are studying.
3. Pay Attention to the Author’s Wording
The authors of classical fiqh books choose their words carefully. Sometimes, a single word can make an important difference to the meaning of a ruling. Pay attention to expressions such as mutlaqan and wa nahwuhu. Look at how the author uses these phrases and try to understand why they have been included. Does the wording add a condition? Does it show that the ruling applies generally? Is the author referring to another similar case? Paying attention to these details will help you understand the text more deeply.
4. Learn the Important Points in Each Chapter
As you study each chapter, make sure you understand its main rulings. These may include the pillars (arkan), conditions (shurut), obligatory acts, sunnah acts and things that invalidate an action. For example, when studying salah, make sure you know the difference between its conditions, pillars, wajib acts and sunnah acts according to your madhhab. Do the same when studying wudu, fasting, zakah and other chapters of fiqh. Making short lists or tables can help you remember these points and make revision easier.
5. Read a Commentary to Understand Difficult Passages
After trying to understand the matn yourself, turn to a suitable commentary (sharh) for further explanation. Fiqh matns are often brief, and the author may mention a ruling in just a few words without explaining all the details. A commentary helps explain what the author means and provides further information where needed. Once you have read the explanation, return to the original text and see if you can now understand it more clearly.
6. Make Short Notes in Your Book
Write brief notes in the margins of your book. These could include the meaning of a difficult word, an important point from the commentary or an exception to a ruling. There is no need to copy long passages from the commentary. A few clear words are often enough to help you remember the explanation. When you return to the book for revision, these notes will save you time and help you recall what you learnt.
7. Learn the Traditional Measurements Mentioned in Fiqh
Classical fiqh books often mention measurements that we do not commonly use today, such as the saa, mudd, dirham, mithqal, dhira and farsakh. Take the time to learn what these measurements mean and how they are used in fiqh. Be careful when converting these measurements into modern units, as their exact equivalents can differ depending on the scholarly calculation being followed.
8. Understand the Position of Your Madhhab
As you progress in your studies, try to understand how the rulings fit together within your madhhab. You may come across different opinions among the scholars of the same madhhab, as well as differences between the four madhahib. Learn to recognise the position that is relied upon for giving fatwa and understand that other opinions may also be mentioned in the books. At the beginning, focus on understanding the text you are studying. More detailed discussions about evidence and differences of opinion can be studied as you advance, with the help of a teacher.
9. Ask Your Teachers
Even after reading the matn and its commentary, you may still find certain passages difficult to understand. There is nothing wrong with this. Write down your questions and ask a teacher who is well-grounded in the madhhab. Try to point out exactly what you do not understand rather than simply saying that the whole chapter is confusing. This will help your teacher explain the matter more clearly. Books are essential, but learning from qualified teachers is also an important part of studying fiqh.
10. Revise What You Have Studied
Do not move on from a chapter and forget everything you have learnt. After completing a section, close the book and try to recall the main rulings. Test yourself. You can also try explaining the passage to another student. If you can explain it clearly, it is a good sign that you have understood it. Regular revision will help you remember what you have studied and build a stronger understanding of fiqh.
11. Learn Fiqh So You Can Act Upon It
The purpose of studying fiqh is not simply to finish books or collect information. It is to learn how to worship Allah correctly and follow the rulings of the Shariah in our daily lives. As you study each chapter, think about how the rulings apply to your own life. Put what you learn into practice and ask for guidance when you are unsure. Knowledge becomes truly beneficial when it is learnt sincerely and acted upon.
Famous Fiqh Texts in the Four Madhahib
In the Hanafi madhhab, well-known texts include Mukhtasar al-Quduri and Al-Mukhtar lil-Fatwa. In the Maliki madhhab, students study works such as Mukhtasar Khalil and Ashal al-Masalik. In the Shafi’i madhhab, famous texts include Matn Abi Shuja and Minhaj. In the Hanbali madhhab, students study Zad al-Mustaqni and Akhsar al-Mukhtasarat.
These books differ in their level of difficulty. Some are more suitable for beginners, whilst others require a stronger understanding of fiqh. It is best to study a text recommended by a qualified teacher who can guide you through it.
A Final Reminder
Do not judge your progress by how many books you have completed. Focus on how well you understand what you have studied and whether you are able to act upon it. Take your time, revise regularly, ask questions and make the most of your teachers.
May Allah grant us beneficial knowledge, a correct understanding of Deen and the ability to act upon what we learn. Ameen.
