بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الرَّحْمَـٰنِ
الرَّحِيمِ
الْمَلِكِ
الْقُدُّوسِ
السَّلَامِ
1446 - شَوَّال الْمُكَرَّم
الْمُؤْمِنِ
الْمُهَيْمِنِ
الْعَزِيزِ
الْجَبَّارُ
الْمُتَكَبِّرُ
L
O
A
D
I
N
G
Fajr
05:30 AM
✓
Asr
06:30 PM
Maghrib
07:56 PM
Isha
09:45 PM
Jumu'ah
02:00 PM
Ijtihad
اجتهاد
Text Size:
Ijtihad is the Islamic legal process of "independent reasoning" used by a qualified scholar (Mujtahid) to derive a ruling on a matter where the Quran and Sunnah do not provide an explicit, direct answer. It requires a profound mastery of Arabic, theology, and the principles of law (Usul al-Fiqh). Ijtihad ensures that Islam remains a dynamic and living faith, capable of addressing modern challenges,such as bioethics, digital finance, and space travel,while staying true to divine principles. It is the intellectual engine that allows Sharia to adapt to changing times and places. The term Ijtihad comes from the root "jahada," meaning to strive or exert effort. In legal terms, it is the effort of a qualified scholar to derive a ruling from the sources of Islamic law. The qualifications for Ijtihad are rigorous: mastery of Arabic, knowledge of the Quran and its sciences, knowledge of Hadith and its sciences, knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh), knowledge of the objectives of Sharia (Maqasid), and knowledge of the customs and realities of the time. Ijtihad is the basis for the development of Islamic law. The early scholars engaged in Ijtihad to derive rulings for new situations. This led to the development of the four major schools of Sunni jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) and the Jafari school in Shia Islam. In modern times, Ijtihad is needed more than ever. New technologies, medical advances, economic systems, and social issues require rulings that were not explicitly addressed in the classical texts. Qualified scholars must engage in Ijtihad to provide guidance for contemporary Muslims. Ijtihad is not unrestricted personal opinion. It must be based on the sources, follow established principles, and be conducted by those with the necessary qualifications. It is a rigorous intellectual discipline, not a license to reinterpret Islam according to personal whim. The opposite of Ijtihad is Taqlid (following a scholar without understanding the evidence). While laypeople are allowed to follow scholars, the scholars themselves must engage in Ijtihad to ensure that the tradition remains dynamic and responsive to new challenges. In a world where Muslims face new questions daily,from organ donation to cryptocurrency to genetic engineering,Ijtihad is essential. It ensures that Islam remains relevant, that its principles can be applied to new situations, and that the Ummah can navigate the complexities of modern life while staying true to divine guidance. Ijtihad is the intellectual legacy of Islam, a gift that allows the faith to be timeless and timely, rooted in revelation and responsive to reality.
Viewed 74 times
Browse Dictionary
Join Our Mission to Preserve Islamic Knowledge
"The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Missing Terms
Is there an Islamic term you'd like to see explained? Share it with us and help others learn.
Report Issues
If you notice any inaccuracies or areas for improvement, please let us know so we can correct them.
Source References
Have authentic references or additional information for existing terms? We welcome contributions.
Arabic Corrections
Help us ensure Arabic spellings and diacritical marks are accurate.
Together, we can build the most comprehensive and accurate Islamic dictionary online.
Submit Your Feedback
Donate Now !
Registered Charity
