THE AHKAM VERSES IN ISLAMIC LAW: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

Аннотация

This article analyzes the theoretical perspectives on the Ahkam verses in the Qur’an. Ahkam verses include commandments, prohibitions, and instructions related to various aspects of life. The study explores the differences among the Companions and Islamic jurists, the classification of legal verses in different fields, and the styles used in the Qur’an to present legal rulings. The number of legal verses and their social, political, legal, and moral aspects are examined. The article is a valuable resource for those interested in the development of Islamic jurisprudence based ontheQur’an and Sunnah. Keywords:Ahkam verses, Qur’an, fiqh, legal rulings, theoretical analysis, Islamiclaw. Introduction. Ahkam verses are Qur’anic passages that outline commands, prohibitions, and guidance regarding various life matters. Disagreements among the Companions on fiqh issues became serious as they spread among the wider Muslim community, eventually leading to the formation of different fiqh schools (madhabs). Alongside the Sunni madhabs, various sects began to issuetheirown interpretations and rulings. In the Qur’an, fiqh and legal matters are generally approached in a broad manner, with some topics like the rights of Allah and inheritance detailed more extensively. According to the famous juristAbdulwahhab Khalaf, legal verses in theQur’an are distributed as follows: Worship-related verses: 140 Family lawverses: 70 Civillawverses: 70 Criminallawverses: 30 Judicial process verses: 20 Statelaw verses: 3 Altogether, there are about 333legal verses inthe Qur’an. UniqueFeatures oftheQur’an’sLegal Verses The Qur’an differs from other divine books in that it is not only a source of creed and ideology but also serves as law and ethics. The great philosopher Ibn Rushd (d. 595 AH / 1168 CE) regarded this as oneof theQur’an’s greatest miracles. The Qur’an employs several distinct methods to convey its legal rulings, each serving a unique purposeinguiding believers toward proper conduct and understanding of Islamiclaw. Brief and General Statements: Many legal rulings in the Qur’an are delivered in concise and general terms. This method is particularly common in verses relating to fundamental acts of worship, such as zakat (almsgiving) and prayer. These rulings are often presented without elaborate details, leaving room for interpretation and elaboration by scholars and jurists. For example, the Qur’an commands believers to establish prayer and pay zakat, but it does not always specify the exact procedures or conditions in these brief verses. This style allows for flexibilityand adaptability inapplying therulings across different contexts and times. Detailed Explanations: In contrast to brief statements, some legal rulings are provided with thorough and detailed descriptions. These verses aim to eliminate ambiguity by clearly outlining http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass 965 Volume 15Issue 06, June 2025 Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023: 6.995, 2024 7.75 prohibitions or obligations. A notable example is the verses concerning prohibited marriages, where the Qur’an explicitly enumerates the categories of women with whom marriage is forbidden. Such detailed rulings help prevent confusion and ensure that the community understands the boundaries set by Islamic law. This method also applies to areas like inheritance and divorce, where the Qur’an provides step-by-step guidance to manage complex family and social relations. General Principles: Beyond specific rulings, the Qur’an often articulates overarching legal principles that form the foundation of Islamic jurisprudence. These principles include the concept of individual accountability — that each person is responsible solely for their own actions — and the importance of fulfilling contracts and promises. For instance, the Qur’an states that no soul bears the burden of another, emphasizing personal responsibility. It also commands believers to honor their agreements, reinforcing social trust and order. Such general principles provide ethical and legal frameworks that guide the interpretation and application of specific laws. Distributed Verses: Some legal rulings are not confined to a single verse but are instead distributed across multiple passages in the Qur’an. This distribution requires scholars and jurists to perform comprehensive study and synthesis to fully understand and apply the law. For example, rulings related to certain crimes or commercial transactions may appear in various contexts, requiring cross-referencing and contextual analysis. This method encourages deep engagement with the Qur’anic text and ensures that rulings are derived holistically rather than in isolation. Explanation of Causes and Wisdom: The Qur’an frequently accompanies its legal rulings with explanations of the underlying causes (illat) and the wisdom behind them. This feature is unique compared to many other religious or legal texts and serves to dee