This is the introduction to a short essay in jurisprudence (fiqh) by the Imām and Hāfiẓ ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Abī Zayd al-Qayrawānī upon the treatise of which he authored concerning the jurisprudence (fiqh) of Imām Mālik.

It has always been from the norm of the Salaf (X) that whenever they would author books in jurisprudence (fiqh) they would begin by clarifying the creed (‘aqīdah). Thus, they would divide it into [two parts]:

1. The greater affairs of jurisprudence (fiqh) al-akbar) which is understanding the correct creed (‘aqīdah).

2. The branches of jurisprudence (fiqh) al-furū’) which is the understanding of how to worship Allāh and dealings with the people.