IJITHAD Meaning and
Definition
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Ijtihad is a term derived from Arabic that refers to the intellectual endeavor of independent legal reasoning and interpretation by Muslim scholars in order to deduce judgments on matters not explicitly addressed in the Quran or Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). It is the process of applying rational thinking and personal judgement to find legal solutions to contemporary issues and challenges faced by the Muslim community.
Ijtihad involves rigorous intellectual efforts to scrutinize the authentic sources of Islamic law, such as the Quran, Hadith, consensus (ijma), and analogy (qiyas). With a deep understanding of these sources, a scholar engaged in ijtihad analyzes and synthesizes the knowledge and principles they provide to derive legal rulings that are relevant to the current social, political, and cultural contexts.
The practice of ijtihad is viewed as a dynamic and adaptive mechanism within Islamic jurisprudence, enabling the law to evolve and respond to changing circumstances throughout history. It enables scholars to address novel situations and challenges faced by Muslims, as well as fulfilling the objective of promoting justice, equity, and the welfare of society.
Ijtihad is often seen as a highly skilled task, requiring extensive knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, linguistic expertise, and a profound understanding of the principles and objectives of Shariah (Islamic law). The scholars who engage in this intellectual effort are known as mujtahids and are highly respected for their expertise and contribution to the development of Islamic legal thought.
Common Misspellings for IJITHAD
- ujithad
- jjithad
- kjithad
- ojithad
- 9jithad
- 8jithad
- ihithad
- inithad
- imithad
- ikithad
- iiithad
- iuithad
- ijuthad
- ijjthad
- ijkthad
- ijothad
- ij9thad
- ij8thad
- ijirhad
- ijifhad
Etymology of IJITHAD
The word "ijtihad" (also spelled ijtihād) comes from the Arabic language, primarily used in Islamic legal and scholarly contexts. The word consists of two components: "ijtihād" (اجتهاد) and "jihad" (جهاد).
The root word "jihad" (جهاد) means "striving" or "effort". In its broader sense, it refers to the struggle or effort one makes in various aspects of life, such as spiritual and moral struggles.
"Ijtihad" (اجتهاد) specifically means "exerting effort" or "striving hard" in religious and legal matters. It is commonly associated with the concept of independent reasoning or legal interpretation within Islamic jurisprudence. Those who engage in "ijtihad" are known as "mujtahids".
