Understanding Fiqh

Fiqh is an islamic jurisprudence. It is an expansion of the Shariah, as such, it is based on the primary sources of Shariah which is the Quran and Sunnah. While Shariah is permanent(cannot be changed by man), and serving as principles and policies for the Islamic jurisprudence. Fiqh develops based on the ulama''s interpretations, because it complements Shariah with evolving rulings, difference in time and situation may cause the Fiqh to change.

Both the Shariah and Fiqh cover two things. These are the rights of Allah over man - worship(ibadah) and the rights of man among themselves - marriage(munakahat), politic(siasah), business(muamalat), crimes(jinayat), inheritance(wasiat) and many more.
There are 4 major mazhabs(school of thought)in Fiqh. These are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafie, and Hanbali, it is founded by Imam Abu Hanifah Nu'man bin Sabit, Imam Malik bin Anas, Imam Muhammad bin Idris As-Shafie, and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal respectively. Different mazhabs emerged because different views in understanding the meaning of Quran and Sunnah, different companion(Sahabah) with the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W at different times, the sunnah was not compiled in text forms at the time, and difference in places created different needs for the people. All these mazhabs differs only in specific matters and hadith and not in the belief/principles of Islam.
Here we can see that Islam, too, deals with observance of rituals, morals and social legislation and act accordingly to new issues arise and situation in order to offer appropriate Islamic response and solution.