Abstract
Maxims of Islamic Law (al-qawa’id al-fiqhiyyah) are in fact part of the objectives of shari’ah (maqasid al-shari’ah).These maxims, basically derived from the set of principles mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah replicate established opinions of Islamic Law to which Jurists appeal when confronting new legal issues. The present article throws light on the genesis of legal maxims, their development during various eras after the Prophetic age and how they reached the stage of maturity. The article also introduces major important works written on the subject, especially by Hanafi jurists.