Doubt (Shubha)

its causes، its types، its impact on deriving Islamic rulings and the opinions of Imami jurists

Abstract

This research examines and analyzes the concept of Shubha (ambiguity/doubt) as a cognitive، psychological، and doctrinal phenomenon with a significant impact on the jurisprudential thought and legal inference (Istinbat al-Shar'i) among Imami (jurists). Shubha has been a crucial element in the methodology of legislation and ijtihad (independent reasoning) due to its direct influence on diagnosing the subject of rulings، understanding texts، and determining jurisprudential positions in cases of confusion and hesitation.

The research is divided into four main sections، each containing several demands and axes:

Section One: Key Concepts and Terminology

This section defines Shubha linguistically and terminologically and explores its position in Usul al-Fiqh (principles of jurisprudence). It also discusses the term "Mutashabih" (ambiguous) as mentioned by scholars in their books, particularly in relation to "problematic verses" (Ayat al-Mushkilah), identifying verses with similar wording and analogies.

Section Two: Divisions of Shubha

This section categorizes Shubha according to Imami Usuli jurists، detailing its types: conceptual (mafhumiyya), legal (hukmiyya), objective (mawdu'iyya), and evidentiary (masdaqiyya).

Section Three: Imami Jurists' Views on

This section is divided into three demands:

• Early Imami Jurists' Views: Discusses the opinions of prominent early jurists.
• Later Imami Jurists' Views: Presents the perspectives of more recent jurists.
• Contemporary Imami Jurists' Views: Explores the insights of modern-day scholars. Each demand includes examples of the opinions of three scholars to illustrate the understanding of Shubha concerning

Section Four: The Impact of Shubha on Legal Inference and Jurisprudential Rules

This section has two demands:

• Impact on Inferring Legal Rulings: Examines how Shubha influences the derivation of legal rulings, citing several relevant instances.
• Impact on Building Jurisprudential Rules: Analyzes the role of Shubha in the formulation of jurisprudential principles and maxims.

Finally, the researcher presents conclusions and recommendations and provides a comprehensive list of references and sources. The researcher expresses gratitude to Allah for enabling the completion of this work, acknowledging that while not claiming perfection, significant effort was made to present the research in the most complete manner possible. Any correctness is attributed to Divine success، and any error is inherent in human endeavor.