AN EXAMINATION OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF MALIKI SCHOOL OF LAW: CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES

The Maliki School of Law is one of the four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence. It was founded by Malik Ibn Anas in the 8th century. The school relies on the Qur’an and Hadith as primary sources. Unlike other schools of jurisprudence, it also considers the practice of the people of Madina, such as Maslaha and Sad aL dhari’a among others, to be a valid source of Islamic law. It is against this background that the paper seeks to trace the history of the school: its contribution and challenges. A doctrinal method was adopted. Having appraised the development of the school, it was founded that the Maliki School is one of the largest schools of jurisprudence of Sunni Muslims. It is predominantly founded in North Africa, West Africa Bahrain United Arab Emirate and Northeastern Saudi Arabia. In the medieval era, the school was also extended in parts of Europe particularly Spain and Emirate of Sicily. Among the contributions of the school include number of classical books published by the scholars in the school that provide existence contribution to Islamic jurisprudence. On the other hand, most of the challenges encountered by the school were of personal against the leader of the school because of his discipline, tenancy of his belief and understandings. Finally, concluded by recommending that for developing any Islamic jurisprudence, strict adherence to the religious injunctions and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never be compromised.