Why is Fiqh necessary? What is its importance?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The importance of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) knowledge in Islamic jurisprudence rulings lies in the fact that it strengthens the understanding of the Orders of Allah and of His Prohibitions, as well as the understanding of what has been revealed to the Prophet, in addition to the application of these rulings in practical life.

Its importance also lies in the apparent need that the pubescent person has for Fiqh, a need similar to what he has for food, water and air.

Indeed every action, word or movement that a pubescent person does or utters, has a ruling set by Allah on it. It could be an obligation, a Sunnah or something desirable, disliked or forbidden. So, based on the above, we know the importance and necessity of Fiqh.

The scholars state that it is not permissible for any pubescent person to perform an action unless he knows the ruling of Allah about it. That is why Allah ordered us to seek knowledge before undertaking any action.

Allah Says (what means): {So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin.} [Quran 47:19]

In addition to this, Imam al-Bukhari entitled a Chapter in his Sahih as follows: "Chapter of seeking knowledge before acting."

No doubt that learning Fiqh (in its broader meaning) is one of the most honorable and best deeds.

Learning Fiqh in religion, is to know Allah with His Good names, Attributes, Actions, Prophets, Messengers, and to know His religion and Sharee’ah, to act according to all these in words and actions, and to believe in all the above.

Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim and others reported that the Prophet said: "If Allah wants to do good for a person, He makes him comprehend religious knowledge (makes him understand the religion)."

Moreover, Fiqh illustrates the rules, conditions and issues pertaining to the daily life of a Muslim, and which a Muslim needs in all conditions, in worship, in dealings with fellow citizens, personal circumstances, in applying the punishments, and how the ruling should be applied, and the rulings pertaining to peace and warfare.

Thus, we realize the necessity of Fiqh and its importance for the individual, society and the Ummah (Muslim nation) as a whole.

Allah knows best.