Position of Qoul al-Shahabi in Ushul Fiqh: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the position of Qoul shahabi in Ushul Fiqh by reviewing its development from historical and contemporary perspectives. This study focuses on how the position and authority of Qoul shahabi are understood and applied by classical scholars to the present day, as well as how these differences in opinion influence the dynamics of Islamic law development in the modern context. In this context, the study seeks to outline the different views among classical and contemporary scholars regarding the authority of Qaul Shahabi and its relevance in resolving current legal issues. The research method used is library research with a descriptive-analytical approach, which is to examine various classical and modern literature, as well as sources of Ushul Fiqh that discuss the basis for accepting and rejecting Qaul Shahabi. The results of the study show that Qaul Shahabi is no longer understood merely as the opinions of the companions who lived during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, but rather as a mindset and method for understanding and establishing Islamic law that is relevant to the times. While in classical times its position was important because of the companions' closeness to the Prophet, today its main value lies in their ability to interpret Islamic teachings in accordance with social conditions and the needs of society. This confirms that from the beginning, Islam has taught the principle of legal flexibility without departing from the foundations of Sharia. In the dynamic modern context, Qaul Shahabi inspires scholars and intellectuals to develop adaptive, fair, and welfare-oriented Islamic law. Thus, Qaul Shahabi serves as a bridge between revelatory values and modern human realities, ensuring that Islamic law remains alive, contextual, and brings justice to all people.