The Pragmatic Dimension of Indicative Signs (Clues) in Usul al-Fiqh

Abstract

Interpretation of a Text Does Not Rely Solely on Deciphering Its Linguistic Symbols; Rather, It Extends to the Use of Non-Linguistic Knowledge and Requires Inferential Processes. These processes, starting from an uttered sentence and drawing on various types of knowledge, lead to the interpretation of spoken discourse according to different circumstances. The interpreter’s strategy, therefore, lies in going beyond mere decoding of symbols to a comprehensive interpretation that takes into account the contexts and conditions in which a given discourse is presented, as well as the shared knowledge of the discourse participants.

This study aims to highlight the importance of indicative signs (clues) in understanding and interpreting Islamic legal texts, and to acknowledge the significant efforts made by the usul scholars in establishing precise guidelines for comprehending the objectives of Sharia through the texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah.