An Examination of the Foundations, Criteria, and Functions of Hypothetical Jurisprudence in the Hanafi School

Background and Objective: In the face of rapid social, medical, economic, and technological transformations, Islamic jurisprudence requires systematic mechanisms to respond to emerging issues. One of the most significant of these mechanisms within the Hanafi school is hypothetical (presumptive) jurisprudence. By relying on rational hypothesis-making within the framework of Sharīʿa principles, this approach enables the derivation of legal rulings prior to the actual occurrence of issues. Accordingly, the present article aims to examine the usūlī foundations, elucidate the governing criteria, and analyze the functions of Hanafi hypothetical jurisprudence in addressing newly emerging legal questions. Method: This study adopts a descriptive–analytical method based on library-based sources. Findings: The findings indicate that hypothetical jurisprudence in the Hanafi school, grounded in analogy (qiyās), juristic preference (istiḥsān), and the objectives of Sharīʿa (maqāṣid al-sharīʿa), is governed by systematic and rational criteria. It not only does not conflict with applied (real-case) jurisprudence but also complements it by contributing to the dynamism of fiqh. This approach strengthens the faculty of ijtihād, enhances juristic preparedness in confronting unprecedented issues (nawāzil), and increases the capacity of Islamic jurisprudence to adapt to temporal transformations. Conclusion: Hanafi hypothetical jurisprudence, as a bridge between revealed texts and changing realities, occupies a significant position in the dynamism and forward-looking nature of Islamic law. The conscious revitalization of this capacity—through the reconstruction of its theoretical foundations, adherence to Sharīʿa-based criteria, and the expansion of its contemporary applications—can play an effective role in advancing contemporary fiqh and in providing systematic responses to modern challenges.