LINGUISTICS ELEMENTS OF ARABIC LANGUAGE APPLIED BY IMAM SHAFI’I IN ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE

Language plays an important role in imparting and communicating any form of message, information and knowledge to the society. In the history of Islamic civilization, the primary language of communication is Arabic. Thus, the key to understanding the sources of Islamic civilization, Al Quran and hadith, is understanding Arabic. Understanding the linguistic elements of Arabic language is necessary to understanding Islamic Jurisprudence. However, differences of opinions amongst Islamic scholars brings about the question whether each scholars apply different linguistic methodology when making conclusions of a jurisprudence. This paper looks into Imam Shafi'i's methodology in text analysis of Arabic language when determining an Islamic jurisprudence. The findings reveal that a strong proficiency in Arabic language is necessary before determining an Islamic law. It is a prerequisite for a person to be proficient in the Arabic language to become a mujtahid. Imam Shafi'i is a renowned mujtahid is qualified for ijtihad because of his proficiency in the Arabic language. Thus his methodology of text linguistic of Arabic language in determining an Islamic jurisprudence reduces any disputes and differences in determining an Islamic jurisprudence.