Ibn Zuhra

Ibn Zuhra (Arabic: ابن زُهْرة), also known as Abu Ali al-Husayn ibn Abi al-Husayn Zuhra al-Halabi (c. 1106 – 1186), was a prominent Twelver Shia jurist (faqih) of the 12th century. He is renowned for his legal treatise, Ghunyat al-Nuzu‘ ila ‘Ilmay al-Usul wa’l-Furu‘ (Sufficiency for Attainment of Knowledge of the Principles and Branches [of Islamic Law]), a highly influential work within Shia jurisprudence that offers a comprehensive overview of legal theory and practical applications.

Born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, Ibn Zuhra belonged to a family of prominent Shia scholars and jurists. He received his education in jurisprudence and theology from various notable scholars of his time. Ghunyat al-Nuzu‘ is considered his most important contribution, distinguished by its systematic organization, clarity of language, and reliance on reasoned argumentation. The work emphasizes the role of reason ('aql) alongside the Quran and Sunnah as sources of Islamic law.

Ibn Zuhra’s work significantly impacted the development of Shia jurisprudence, particularly in its integration of rational principles. His treatise has been widely studied and commented upon by later Shia scholars. He is remembered for his intellectual rigor and his contributions to the systematic understanding of Islamic law.