Definition

Noun: 1. A member or follower of a major school of thought within Twelver Shi'a Islam: The Usuli school emphasizes the use of ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) by qualified jurists (mujtahids) in deriving Islamic law, in contrast to the Akhbari school, which relies solely on the transmitted traditions (akhbar) of the Imams. 2. Pertaining to the Usuli school of thought: Used to describe the principles, doctrines, or followers of this school.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Usuli believe that a qualified jurist, or mujtahid, can interpret Islamic law for the community.
  • Historically, the debate between the Usuli and the Akhbari shaped the development of Shi'a jurisprudence.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and theological contexts to discuss the evolution of Shi'a Islamic law and clerical authority.
• "Usuli position": Refers to the doctrinal stance favoring and the authority of living religious scholars.
  • The Usuli position eventually became dominant in Twelver Shi'ism.

Variants and Related Words

• Usulism (n): The doctrines, principles, or system of thought of the Usuli school.
  • The rise of Usulism in the 18th century redefined the role of the clergy.
• Usooli: An alternate transliteration of the same term.

Synonyms

• Proponent of ijtihad: (Descriptive synonym) One who advocates for independent legal reasoning in Islamic law.

Related Concepts (Not Synonyms)

• Akhbari: A member of the rival Shi'a school that rejects and relies exclusively on transmitted traditions.
• Mujtahid: A qualified jurist in Usuli thought authorized to perform .
• Ijtihad: Independent legal reasoning or scholarly effort to derive Islamic law.

Noun

1. a religious movement by Persian Shiite Muslims in 17th century Iran that is opposed to the Akhbari
   • Usuli Shiism produced the politically active caste of priests that is a distinctive feature of Iranian Shiism