Usūl ash-Shāshī
is a foundational text on the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (
usūl al-fiqh
) in the Ḥanafī school. Written over 800 years ago, it remains widely taught in South Asian seminaries and on the Dars-e-Nizāmī syllabus. It deals with the salient themes and contentions in Islamic legal theory, such as the interpretation of primary Islamic sources, the resolution of conflicting Prophetic practices, and the classification of Islamic legal rulings.
This translation by Tahir Mahmood Kiani is notable for its concise explanations, extensive footnotes and relevant examples that highlight the core principles of Ḥanafī jurisprudence. As part of the Beacon Islamic Studies Series, the coursebook has been designed for educational institutions, with features such as lesson break icons, points-to-note boxes and end-of-chapter questions.