The Concept of Compliance According to Usul Scholars and Its Applications

Abstract

Since sources of evidence form the foundation for deriving rulings, sometimes judgments are derived directly from explicit statements, while other times they are inferred from implied meanings. Usul scholars have given considerable attention to the concept of compliance, recognizing it as a key method by which language indicates rulings. Based on the concept of compliance, many rulings have been derived from the Qur'an and the noble Sunnah. This study examines the definitions given by jurists for the concept of compliance and the terms used by Usul scholars to refer to it, such as fahwa al-khitab (implicit meaning of speech), fahwa al-lafdh (implicit meaning of words), lahn al-khitab (underlying tone of speech), and lahn al-qawl (tone of words). The study also explores the conditions for compliance, its classifications, the permissibility of specification and abrogation through compliance, and the major applications of compliance among Usul scholars.