Asl al-Shia wa usuluha

4. Jurisprudence and Ethics

Shia jurisprudence, or fiqh, is meticulously derived from the Qur’an, the teachings of the Prophet, and the sayings of the Imams. The Ja’fari school, the predominant Shia legal framework, offers a nuanced approach to legal interpretation. Shia scholars engage in ijtihad (independent reasoning) to adapt principles to contemporary issues, thereby maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing world. Furthermore, Shia ethics are permeated with notions of social justice, charity, and communal responsibility. The practices of Khums (a form of tax on surplus income) and Zakat (almsgiving) not only foster economic equity but also reinforce a communal consciousness among Shia populations.

5. The Role of Rituals and Commemoration