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MÄlikÄ«
Islamic law
Also known as: MÄlikÄ«yah school, MÄlikÄ«yyah school, Madhhab MÄlik, Madhhabā¦, Malikite school(Show More)
MÄlikÄ«, in Islam, one of the four Sunni schools of law, formerly the ancient school of Medina. Founded in the 8th century and based on the teachings of the imam MÄlik ibn Anas, the MÄlikÄ«s stressed local Medinese community practice (Źæamal) as the lens through which to understand the legal implications of the QurŹ¾Än and the Hadith (traditions concerning the Prophet Muhammadās life and utterances). At the same time, the MalikÄ«s were open to analogical reasoning (qiyÄs) and applied juristic discretion (istihsan) to ensure beneficial legal outcomes. The MÄlikÄ« school currently prevails throughout northern and western Africa, in Sudan, and in some of the Persian Gulf states.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
This article was most recently revised and updated by Noah Tesch.
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