1. Introduction Abdullah Chakralawi (also spelled Chakralvi or Chakrali) was a prominent, albeit controversial, Islamic scholar, theologian, and jurist from the Indian subcontinent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known as a leading figure within the Ahl-i-Hadith movement and for his distinctive and highly rationalist approach to Islamic jurisprudence. His most notable contribution, which set him apart from mainstream Ahl-i-Hadith scholars, was his rejection of the concept of Ijma (consensus of the scholars) as a binding source of Islamic law, arguing instead for the primacy of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (prophetic traditions) as the sole infallible sources.
1. Introduction Abdullah Chakralawi (also spelled Chakralvi or Chakrali) was a prominent, albeit controversial, Islamic scholar, theologian, and jurist from the Indian subcontinent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known as a leading figure within the Ahl-i-Hadith movement and for his distinctive and highly rationalist approach to Islamic jurisprudence. His most notable contribution, which set him apart from mainstream Ahl-i-Hadith scholars, was his rejection of the concept of Ijma (consensus of the scholars) as a binding source of Islamic law, arguing instead for the primacy of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (prophetic traditions) as the sole infallible sources.