Definition
Extending the ruling of a textually-mentioned case to a new case sharing the same effective cause (‘illah). The fourth source of Sharī‘ah after Qur'an, Sunnah, and ijmā‘ — accepted by the vast majority of scholars.
Pronunciation: qi-YĀS
Etymology & Root
From ق-ي-س (q-y-s), meaning 'to measure.' Qiyās 'measures' a new case against an established one.
Scholarly Notes
Qiyās is invalid when there is direct text — it is a tool only when no explicit ruling exists. The Ẓāhirīs (notably Ibn Ḥazm) rejected qiyās; the four schools accept it.
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