الدكتور وهبة الزحيلي: سيرته العلمية ومنهجه الفقهي والبلاغي وأثره في الفكر الإسلامي المعاصر

Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhayli: His Scholarly Biography, Juristic and Rhetorical Methodology, and His Impact on Contemporary Islamic Thought

Abstract

This article offers a comprehensive academic study of Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhayli (1932–2015), one of the most influential Muslim jurists and scholars of the modern era. It examines his scholarly biography, educational formation, juristic and rhetorical methodology, and his enduring impact on contemporary Islamic thought. The study aims to highlight the distinctive features of his intellectual project, which successfully integrated classical Islamic scholarship with the demands of modern legal and social realities. Born in Deir Atiyah, Syria, into a pious and knowledge-oriented family, Dr. al-Zuhayli was nurtured in an environment deeply rooted in Qur’anic values and prophetic ethics. His early education laid a strong foundation in Islamic sciences, which he later reinforced through advanced studies at prestigious institutions such as Al-Azhar University and Ain Shams University in Egypt. His unique academic path combined traditional Islamic disciplines with modern legal studies, culminating in a doctoral dissertation on The Effects of War in Islamic Jurisprudence, a comparative study between Islamic schools of law and international law. This interdisciplinary background significantly shaped his scholarly outlook and methodology. In conclusion, the study affirms that Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhayli’s scholarly legacy represents a balanced and authoritative model of modern Islamic scholarship. His integration of jurisprudence, rhetoric, and ethical commitment continues to play a vital role in shaping contemporary Islamic thought and guiding future generations of scholars.