Fiqh (فقه) in Islam means deep understanding of Islamic laws and rulings that guide a Muslim’s daily life.
Fiqh is the human understanding and interpretation of the divine laws found in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Fiqh explains how to live according to Islam in practical matters, such as:
Worship (Ibadah) – prayer, fasting, zakat, hajj
Daily life – food, clothing, cleanliness
Business & finance – halal and haram earnings
Family matters – marriage, divorce, inheritance
Social behavior – rights, justice, and ethics
Over time, scholars developed different schools of thought (madhabs), including:
Hanafi
Maliki
Shafi’i
Hanbali
All are valid and based on the same core sources, but they may differ slightly in interpretation.
Shariah = Divine law from Allah (perfect and unchanging)
Fiqh = Human understanding of that law (can differ and evolve)
Fiqh is the practical guide that helps Muslims follow Islam correctly in everyday life.