What is the difference between an 'alim (scholar) and a faqih (jurist) in the religion of Islam?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Oct 24, 2026
In later terminology, the term 'faqih' (jurist) is applied to someone who has extensive knowledge of Islamic legal rulings. Linguistically, it means understanding. Technically, it is the knowledge of practical Islamic legal rulings derived from detailed evidence. As for the 'alim' (scholar), it is applied to someone who has extensive knowledge of religious sciences, such as the sciences of the Quran, , and language. Accordingly, the term 'alim' is broader and more comprehensive than the term 'faqih'.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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