Islamic Jurisprudence Tradition

Timeline

1. c. 700–820Medina · MedinaIn the 7th–8th centuries, scholars in Medina, Kufa, Basra, and elsewhere accumulated precedents based on hadith and tribal custom, laying the foundation for the systematic schools of later ages.
2. 820–950Baghdad · BaghdadThe teachings of founders such as al-Shafi'i (d. 820), Abu Hanifa (d. 767), Malik (d. 795), and Ibn Hanbal (d. 855) were transmitted by disciples, and by the 10th century the pattern of the four schools of law was basically established.
3. 1011–1020Islamic world · North AfricaBetween 1011 and 1020, the four schools of law operated within their respective spheres of influence through the appointment of qadis, contractual documents, and teaching in academies; the jurisprudence tradition was deeply embedded in Muslim society's marriage, inheritance, commerce, and religious rituals.