List of Works by Muhammad b. Ismail b. Abd al-Jabbar al-Hairi

3. Al-Istihsan wa al-Qiyas

In “Al-Istihsan wa al-Qiyas,” al-Hairi engages with the methodologies of legal derivation in Shia jurisprudence. He proposes that personal reasoning can be just as valid as a precedent, highlighting a dynamic and evolving interpretation of law. This perspective challenges traditionalist views that might prioritize historical precedents over personal discernment. Thus, al-Hairi’s assertions ignite a vital discourse regarding the role of ijtihad (independent reasoning) in contemporary Shia jurisprudence: should religious scholars be bound by historical interpretations, or is there merit in revisiting foundational texts through modern lenses?

4. Al-Da’wat