Pioneering Jurisprudential Convergence: A KPI-Based Framework for Shia-Hanafi Rapprochement in Islamic Law

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative KPI-based framework for assessing doctrinal convergence and divergence between the Hanafi and Shia (Jaʿfarī) legal schools, aiming to advance practical strategies for inter-sectarian rapprochement in Islamic law. Anchored in the Twelve-Pillar Framework for Comparative Jurisprudence (TPF-CJ), the model operationalizes 240 key performance indicators (KPIs) across diverse doctrinal domains including legal reasoning, ritual practices, civil law, and digital transformation. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, the research integrates qualitative doctrinal analysis with quantitative validation via Delphi surveys, regression, and principal component analysis. The findings reveal that, while both schools share a common scriptural foundation, the Shia tradition exhibits greater flexibility by emphasizing rational deduction (ʿaql) and the integration of maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah, and demonstrates a higher readiness for digital innovations (e.g., AI-driven analytics and blockchain) compared to the more traditional Hanafi approach. Drawing on the seminal works of MoghadasNian (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025; MoghadasNian et al., 2024; MoghadasNian et al., 2025), this framework not only bridges classical fiqh analysis with modern evaluative practices but also provides actionable insights for policy reforms, institutional efficiency, and sustainable inter-sectarian dialogue. Moreover, the model’s applications extend to sectors such as airline management and tourism, where digital transformation is integral to operational excellence.