The theological heritage of Russian scientists in the area of the foundations of Islamic law (usul al-fikh)

This article presents a systematic review of the writings and scholarly works of Russian Muslim theologians from the Volga-Ural region and the Caucasus, dating back to the 18th–20th centuries. Special attention is given to works on usul al-fiqh (Islamic legal methodology) — a fundamental discipline that defines the principles and methods of deriving legal rulings in Islam. The study covers a wide range of sources, including both published works and manuscripts, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the development of this field of knowledge within the Russian Muslim community. The relevance of this research stems from the recent trend of revival in Russian Islamic theology. In this context, the study of historical heritage, particularly works on usul alfiqh, becomes especially significant. These works played a crucial role in shaping theological-legal decisions and had a substantial impact on the intellectual life of the Muslim population in the region.