Al-Shafi'i
Early Life
Al-Shafi'i, whose full name is Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i, was born in Gaza in the year 767 CE. He belonged to the Qurayshi clan of the Hashemite tribe, the same tribe to which the prophet Muhammad belonged. His father died when he was very young, leaving him in the care of his mother who moved to Makkah when he was two years old.
Education
In Makkah, Al-Shafi'i began his studies under Muslim scholar Muslim ibn Khalid al-Zanji. At the age of ten, he had already memorized the entire Qur'an, demonstrating his exceptional intellectual abilities. He also studied Arabic literature and poetry, which helped him develop a deep understanding of the Arabic language.
Career
Al-Shafi'i's career as a jurist began when he moved to Madinah and studied under the tutelage of Malik ibn Anas, the founder of the Maliki school of thought. He spent nine years in Madinah, during which he compiled the Muwatta, a collection of hadiths and legal opinions.
Contributions to Islamic Jurisprudence
Al-Shafi'i is best known for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence. He is the founder of the Shafi'i school of thought, one of the four major schools of Sunni Islamic law. His most significant work, Al-Risala, is considered the first work of Islamic jurisprudence. In it, he laid out the principles of the Shafi'i school, which emphasizes the use of the Qur'an and the Hadith as the primary sources of law.
Death and Legacy
Al-Shafi'i died in Egypt in 820 CE. His teachings continue to have a profound influence on Islamic law and jurisprudence. His school of thought is followed by a significant portion of the Muslim world, particularly in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Yemen.