Deeper learning

Understanding the four schools

A madhhab is a developed school of Islamic legal interpretation. Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali scholars share foundational sources while sometimes differing in how evidence is interpreted and applied.

A school is more than a set of hand positions. It includes connected rules about purification, intention, obligations, recommended acts, and correcting mistakes. There are also recognized positions within each school.

For learning, choose a coherent course with a qualified teacher. The comparison tool explains selected differences; it is not a system for assembling unrelated concessions into a new prayer method.

Someone praying differently may be following established scholarship. Ask with respect, and avoid turning differences into a reason to judge other worshippers.