In Understanding the Four Madhhabs: The Facts about Ijtihad and Taqlid, scholar Abdal Hakim Murad (Timothy Winter) addresses one of the most commonly misunderstood topics in Islamic jurisprudence — the role of madhhabs (schools of thought), independent reasoning (ijtihad), and legal conformity (taqlid).

This concise yet powerful work explains why the traditional Sunni practice of following a recognized madhhab is not only valid but essential for preserving the coherence and depth of Islamic law. The book dispels myths about rigidity and stagnation within the madhhab system and explains how taqlid differs from blind following. It also explores who qualifies as a mujtahid and why not every believer is required — or permitted — to practice ijtihad.

Perfect for students of Islamic studies and anyone interested in understanding the wisdom behind traditional Sunni jurisprudence.