Imam al-Shafi'i codified the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) in al-Risala, showing how rulings are derived from the Quran, Sunnah, consensus, and analogical reasoning. He studied under Imam Malik and with circles linked to Abu Hanifa's Kufan tradition, synthesizing major early methodologies.
The Shafi'i school became dominant in Egypt, East Africa, Yemen, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Levant. His work defines how Sunni law reasons at the level of theory, not only rulings.
Choosing and following a madhhab
SeekersGuidance
Context for why the four schools structure Sunni practice.