Zahiriyya

This entry examines the evolution and influence of the Zahiriyya school of thought as a jurisprudential approach in Islamic scholarship. The piece further deals with the school’s approach to the economic matters, also underlying some of the views promoted by its members on the matters that fall within the scope of economic debates. Known for its strict literal interpretation of the main sources, the school does not hold much popularity among the mainstream interpretations; as such, it had little influence in the formation of the Islamic thought of finance and economics. Hence, the school appears to be inadequate to address major economic and financial challenges that might be associated with the currents of transformation and change.