What is Qiyas, explain with examples?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Qiyas is an Islamic jurisprudential concept that refers to the process of analogical reasoning. It is used by scholars to derive legal rulings for new situations that are not directly addressed in the Quran or Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). Qiyas is a form of reasoning where the legal ruling of a known case is extended to a new, similar case based on shared characteristics.
The four main sources of Islamic law (Sharia) are the Quran, Hadith, Ijma’ (consensus of scholars), and Qiyas. When a direct ruling from these first three sources is unavailable, Qiyas is used to find a solution by analogizing from existing rulings.
How Qiyas Works:
- Asl (original case): The known case, which has an explicit ruling in the Quran or Hadith.
- Far‘ (new case): The new case or situation that lacks a specific ruling.
- Illah (effective cause): The reason or rationale that links the Asl to the Far‘.
- Hukm (legal ruling): The ruling applied to the Far‘ based on the Asl through the Illah.
Example of Qiyas:
Example 1:
In the Quran, alcohol is prohibited (Haram) because it impairs judgment. Using Qiyas, scholars extended this ruling to drugs (such as heroin, cocaine, etc.). Since these substances also impair judgment, they share the same Illah (impairment of judgment) as alcohol, and thus, drugs are also considered Haram.
Example 2:
In a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad prohibited lending money with interest (usury or riba), based on the unfair exploitation involved. By Qiyas, scholars have extended this prohibition to modern-day banking practices, where interest is charged on loans, considering that the exploitation of the borrower through interest is similar to riba.
Qiyas ensures that Islamic law remains relevant in addressing new and evolving situations by applying established principles to contemporary issues.