1. Foundational Knowledge
This course serves as an introduction to Mukhtasar al-Qudūrī, one of the most authoritative and widely taught primers in Hanafi jurisprudence. Designed for beginner students of Islamic law, the text offers a structured overview of essential legal rulings and categories. Through this course, participants will build a strong foundation in Hanafi fiqh, preparing them to engage with more advanced legal texts and concepts.

2. A Distinctive Approach to Fiqh
What distinguishes Mukhtasar al-Qudūrī—and this course—is the systematic approach to legal reasoning that it reflects. Students will explore the principles that inform Hanafi legal methodology, gaining insight into the rationale and thought process behind various rulings. Rather than merely memorizing legal outcomes, learners will be guided to understand the logic and structure that underpin Hanafi jurisprudence.

3. Introduction to Legal Maxims and Methodology
As part of building legal literacy, the course will introduce students to foundational legal maxims (qawāʿid fiqhiyyah) and methodological tools that aid jurists in extrapolating rulings for new cases. These maxims not only simplify complex legal theory but also serve as guiding principles when navigating contemporary issues. This dimension of the course will help students develop the ability to think like jurists.

4. Close Reading and Decoding the Text
A significant component of the course is the detailed reading and explanation of the text itself. Mukhtasar al-Qudūrī is known for its concise and sometimes elliptical language, so the course will focus on unpacking its meanings with clarity. Where later Hanafi scholars have differed in interpretation or legal application, these positions will be discussed, along with an analysis of the stronger or more relied-upon views within the school. This careful engagement will allow students to appreciate the depth and nuance of Hanafi legal discourse.

5. Exploring Foundational Evidences and Proofs
The course will also touch upon the basic proofs (adillah) employed by Hanafi scholars. While Mukhtasar al-Qudūrī is not a text of evidentiary discussion per se, we will highlight where classical proofs—drawn from the Qur’an, Sunnah, consensus (ijmāʿ), and analogy (qiyās)—are relevant. This will help students understand how legal rulings are anchored in the broader framework of Islamic legal theory, fostering a more holistic understanding of the school’s jurisprudential approach.