The diversity of Islamic jurisprudential schools (Madhāhib) arose from a variety of
cultural and intellectual traditions. At a certain time in history, these schools were
influenced by the cultures of the societies in which they developed and the
circumstances surrounding them, ultimately shaping public life.
Over the years, the well-known jurisprudential schools evolved through various
stages. Throughout this evolution, harmony and interaction among the schools
reflected the noble values of Islam. Jurisprudential differences never hindered
peaceful coexistence or cultural integration. Since cultural diversity is part of the
universal order, wise individuals have used it as a path to intellectual breadth and
understanding of others.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes tolerance and coexistence
to build a vibrant society and foster moderation, and in line with the Kingdom’s
approach of teaching comparative jurisprudence in its universities—broadening
students’ perspectives, encouraging acceptance of differing scholarly opinions based
on evidence and Ijtihad, and rejecting sectarian fanaticism—, and considering that the
Islamic University of Madinah has long prioritized teaching comparative Fiqh and
promoting a methodology of moderation:
The university—represented by the Faculty of Sharia—is organizing an international
academic conference titled: “Jurisprudential Schools as a Source of Cultural
Wealth and Social Coexistence”.
Researchers and interested scholars are invited to contribute with academic papers
enriching the conference themes and topics.
Conference Objectives:
This conference aims to attain several objectives, including:
• Exploring the historical context of the jurisprudential schools formation and
their interrelations.
• Highlighting the benefits of jurisprudential diversity, including flexibility and
ease.
• Showcasing the complementarity among jurisprudential schools.
• Emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting moderation, tolerance, and
rejecting extremism.
• Supporting Vision 2030 by highlighting social coexistence among
jurisprudential schools.
• Recognizing the role of various countries in spreading and sustaining
jurisprudential schools.
• Presenting examples of Fiqh and Usul principles that acknowledge and respect
scholarly disagreement.
• Clarifying the role of jurisprudential diversity in addressing contemporary
jurisprudential issues and shaping modern legislation.
• Demonstrating how jurisprudential diversity contributes to tolerance,
moderation, and preventing extremism.
Conference Themes:
1. Saudi Arabia’s Role in Promoting Tolerance and Preserving Jurisprudential Schools
• Vision 2030’s emphasis on Islamic principles, moderation and social
coexistence
• The Islamic University’s academic and cultural role in preserving
jurisprudential schools
• Contributions of Saudi universities in safeguarding jurisprudential schools
• Contributions of Sharia faculties’ academic programs and the departments of
Fiqh and Usul in the kingdom in sustaining jurisprudential schools
• The Kingdom’s Governmental institutions’ efforts in safeguarding
jurisprudential schools
• The Center for Safeguarding Intellect’s role in promoting tolerance and
moderation, and preserving jurisprudential schools
2. Nature of Jurisprudential Disagreement and Its Societal Impact
It includes:
• Jurisprudential schools’ influence on human and civilizational development
• Types of jurisprudential disagreement
• Impact of jurisprudential disagreement on facilitation and removal of hardship
• Impact of jurisprudential disagreement on issuing Fatwas
• Scholarly debates and methods of persuasion
• Impact of jurisprudential disagreement on social customs and norms
• Jurisprudential schools’ influence on modern legal systems
3. Historical Role of Various Nations in Spreading and Sustaining Jurisprudential Schools
It includes:
• Role of the nations in safeguarding the jurisprudencial schools and the
development of legislative knowledge
• Reasons for the spread of the four main jurisprudential schools in the different
nations and territories
• Role of endowments (Waqf) in sustaining and spreading jurisprudential
schools
4. Forms of Complementarity Among Jurisprudential Schools
It includes:
• Complementarity in scholarly classifications
• Complementarity in inter-school learning and seeking knowledge
• Considering school differences in judicial rulings and contractual agreements
• Harmony in Usul among jurisprudential schools
5. Usul and Fiqh Principles Recognizing the Impact of Jurisprudential Disagreement and
Respecting It
It includes:
• Fiqh principles recognizing the impact of jurisprudential disagreement and
respecting it
• Usul principles recognizing the impact of jurisprudential disagreement and
respecting it
• Taking jurisprudential disagreement into consideration and the exit strategies
• Disapproving in issues based on Ijtihad
• Using disagreement as a valid argument
• Judge’s ruling resolving scholarly disputes
6. Role of Jurisprudential Schools in Countering Extremism in All Its Forms
It includes:
• The effect of jurisprudential diversity in countering extremism
• The effect of jurisprudential diversity in promoting tolerance, moderation, and
peaceful coexistence
7. Main Reasons Behind the Emergence of Multiple Jurisprudential Schools
It includes:
• The types of proofs and methods of deduction that influenced the diversity of
jurisprudential schools
• The companions’ methodologies in Fatwa
• The effect of the difference in the scholars’ approach in shaping the
jurisprudential disagreement
Types of Participation:
1. Submitting a scholarly paper or research study
2. In-person participation
Research Participation Conditions:
• The research must be original and unpublished.
• It must align with the conference themes and topics.
• It should demonstrate innovation, scholarly value, and original contribution.
• It must not be extracted from previously published work.
• It must follow proper academic methodology and research ethics.
• It must include a one-page abstract.
• Total word count must not exceed (12,000) words.
• Total number of pages must not exceed (30) pages.
• It must pass the review process by the conference’s scientific committee.
• Formatting requirements: The font (Traditional Arabic) must be used. Text
should be non-bold with size (16) and (14) for the footnotes.
• Must be submitted in both Word and PDF formats.
• Abstracts and CVs should be submitted via the conference platform:
https://conferences.iu.edu.sa/shariah
If platform access is difficult, use the email: feqhdiversty@iu.edu.sa
• Complete the attached participation form.
Research Evaluation and Publication:
• Research will undergo a peer-review process
• Outstanding research will be published in a special issue of the Islamic
University Journal for Sharia Sciences
• It is not a must to present an accepted paper at the conference, rather, the
researcher will be given a peer-review letter
Important Dates:
• Deadline for abstract and CV submission: 29 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH / 25 June
2025
• Committee response on abstracts: 15 Muharram 1447 AH / 10 July 2025
• Final research submission deadline: 29 Safar 1447 AH / 23 August 2025
For Inquiries and Communication:
Email: feqhdiversty@iu.edu.sa