The Beginnings of Usuli Thought in the Jurisprudence of Ibn Idris al-Hilli

Abstract

In this research, we have delved into the foundational ideas and principles of Usul (principles) that Ibn Idris al-Hilli utilised in his encyclopedic jurisprudential work titled "Al-Sara'ir al-Hawi li-Tahrir al-Fatawa". We examined the impact of these principles on the process of legal deduction, as the process of deduction cannot be accomplished without relying on Usuli mechanisms and principles.
We believe that this Usuli thinking marks the beginning of a new phase in the stages of deduction witnessed within the science of Usul, particularly within the Hilla school, which adopted a more comprehensive approach to deduction and its subsequent ramifications. Ibn Idris relied on fundamental Usuli ideas in the process of deduction, such as the notion of the non-authoritativeness of singular reports and its promotion to the rank of established principles of the school (Usul al-Madhhab). All of this necessitates a careful examination of Ibn Idris al-Hilli's methodology in deduction, distinguishing his approach and uniqueness from those who preceded him in this field.