The Maliki school is one of the four major Sunni madhabs, predominantly followed in North Africa, West Africa, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It was founded by Imam Malik ibn Anas (711-795 CE), known for his emphasis on the practice of the people of Medina as a source of law.
The Maliki school is notable in Zakat for its position on personal jewelry. Unlike the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools, the Maliki school exempts personal gold and silver jewelry from Zakat up to a customary amount — meaning jewelry that is in regular personal use and within normal bounds is not included in the Zakat calculation. Jewelry held as investment or exceeding customary norms would still be zakatable.
Another distinctive feature of the Maliki approach is its treatment of debt and agricultural Zakat. The Maliki school places particular emphasis on the Zakat of agricultural produce and has detailed rulings on when and how Ushr applies to different types of crops.
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.
Hanbali(حنبلي)
A major Sunni school of jurisprudence founded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Exempts personal jewelry from Zakat entirely.
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