Abu Husayn al-Basri

Abu Husayn al-Basri

1. 1. Knowledge of Scripture (religious and extra-religious)

   • Qur'an
   • Sunnah
   • Istidlal
   • Qiyas*
     • Asl
       • 'Illa
       • Hukm
       • Fard

2. 2. Ability to verify credibility of Akhbar

   • Investigate Hadith transmission

3. 3. Familiar with Arabic language

4. 4. Familiarity with Urf

   • So law of God can be distinguished from exegesis of human jurispredence

5. 5. Knowledge of God's attributes

6. 6. Recognition of infallibility of the Prophet's community

   • Recognise positive rulings of at least own school of thought

7. 7. Law of inheritance

   • If lacking these skills, Ijtihad can still be practiced but only in matters pertaining to inheritance (which stands apart from other branches of law.)