Abdur Rahim (scholar)

Abdur Rahim (1867-1952) was a prominent scholar of Islamic law and jurisprudence from India, particularly known for his extensive work on Islamic jurisprudence, also known as fiqh. He served as a judge in the Madras High Court and later as a member of the Privy Council in London.

Rahim's most influential work is The Principles of Muhammadan Jurisprudence, originally published in 1911. This book became a standard text for students of Islamic law in the English-speaking world, offering a systematic and comprehensive overview of the principles and sources of Islamic law based on the Hanafi school of thought. He presented Islamic legal concepts in a way that was accessible to those trained in Western legal traditions.

Besides his judicial and academic contributions, Abdur Rahim was actively involved in public life and educational initiatives. He advocated for the modernization of Muslim education while preserving its core values. He also played a role in various social and political movements within the Muslim community in India during the British colonial period. He is remembered for his efforts to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic scholarship and modern legal thought.