Evaluation of Kemalpaşazâde's Tabakâtü'l-Fukahâ in terms of the functioning and consistency of the Hanafi school of thought

The classification of Hanafi faqihs holds significant importance in Islamic law. Ibn Kamal Pasha was the pioneer in classifying these faqihs based on their level of scholarship. Subsequently, many other Hanafi faqihs referenced his classification in their works. However, some Hanafi faqihs also expressed criticism towards Ibn Kamal Pasha's approach. In our study, we thoroughly examined these criticisms and presented arguments both in favor and against them. Additionally, we sought to elucidate the occupations of the Hanafi jurists mentioned in the classification. This research comprises an introduction and two chapters. In the introduction, we provided a historical overview of the classification of Hanafi faqihs, listed our research sources, and outlined the study's methodology, purpose, and limitations. The first chapter delves into the classification of Hanafi faqihs by Ibn Kemal Pasha, Kafawi, and other followers of his approach. We also discussed the classification of Hanafi faqihs by Abd al-Hayy al-Lucknawi, Shāh Walī Allāh ad-Dihlawī, and Muhammed Abu Zahra, who critiqued Ibn Kemal Pasha's classification. To conclude the first chapter, we included the classifications of three other schools. The second chapter of the thesis focuses on criticisms leveled against the classifications of Ibn Kemal Pasha and his followers, along with arguments both for and against these criticisms. We also provided explanations for various forms of ijtihad and terms such as "distinguishing distinction" and "taqlid" mentioned in the tabaqat. The study concludes with a summary of our findings and recommendations in the concluding section. Keywords: Ijtihad, Tabaqat, Fuqaha, Taqlid