Amel-i ehl-i Medina: A sociological approach

Throughout Islamic history, Muslim scholars have developed many methods and concepts in order to carry the principles and concepts contained in the Qur'an to the society and the time they were in, and thus keep the meaning of the Qur'an up-to-date. The scholars applied these consepts as a proof when they engaged with the Fiqh. "Amel-i Ehl-i Medine", which Imam Malik conceptualized and systematized by defending that it is a proof of the Shariah judgments, and which he finally made it to be included in the Islamic law literature, is one of those concepts. In this study, the concept was analyzed from sociological perspective. Firstly, the life of Imam Malik and the social, political and cultural situation of the Medine community in the period he lived in were discussed, and Muvatta, the work of Imam Malik related to the "Amel-i Ehl-i Medine" was briefly explained. Secondly, after the general situation of Medina, where was the basis for the formation of Imam Malik's understanding of Amel-i Ehl-i Medine, while the Prophet Muhammad migrated, was briefly explained, it was discussed what are the changes and problems that occurred in the community of Medine with the migration of the Prophet and What are the cultur and social behavior patterns created by the Prophet in Medina in order to solve these problems and guide future Muslim generations, and how these behaviors form the basis of Imam Malik's understanding of Amel-i Ehl-i Medine. Thirdly, the sociological reasons behind Imam Malik's insistent defense that the said Amel is one of the proofs of the Shariah judgments and what this Amel corresponds to in the context of the basic paradigms of Islam was examined. In this context, the relationship between the Amel and the Sunnah and the customs / traditions of the people of Medine was examined. Finally, the issues such as how the first experience of Islam in Medine played a role in the institutionalization of Islam and the introduction of Amel-i Ehl-i Medine into the Fiqh principles. Keywords: Imam Malik, Muvatta, Amel-i Ehl-i Medina, Custom/Tradition, Institutionalization of Islam.