The Hanbali school is one of the four major Sunni madhabs, followed primarily in Saudi Arabia and parts of the Gulf states. It was founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (780-855 CE), known for his strict adherence to Hadith as the primary source of rulings after the Quran.
The Hanbali school holds the most lenient position on personal jewelry and Zakat. According to the predominant Hanbali view, gold and silver jewelry that is in regular personal use is entirely exempt from Zakat. This exemption applies as long as the jewelry is worn and used — jewelry stored purely as an investment or in excessive amounts beyond customary use may still be zakatable.
The Hanbali methodology's emphasis on textual evidence over analogical reasoning leads to distinctive positions in several areas of Zakat. For example, the school has specific rulings on the treatment of debts owed and owing, the Zakat on agricultural land, and the conditions under which business assets become zakatable.
Related Terms
Madhab(مذهب)
A school of Islamic jurisprudence. The four major Sunni madhabs are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.
Hanafi(حنفي)
The largest Sunni school of jurisprudence, founded by Imam Abu Hanifa. Considers all gold and silver zakatable regardless of personal use.
Shafi'i(شافعي)
A major Sunni school of jurisprudence founded by Imam al-Shafi'i. Considers all gold and silver zakatable, similar to the Hanafi position.
Maliki(مالكي)
A major Sunni school of jurisprudence founded by Imam Malik. Exempts personal jewelry from Zakat up to a customary amount.
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