IJTIHAD Meaning and
Definition
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"Ijtihad" is an Arabic term that refers to a concept within Islamic law and jurisprudence. Literally meaning "exertion" or "striving," it signifies the independent reasoning and effort made by qualified Islamic scholars to derive legal rulings from the primary sources of Islamic law—the Quran and the Hadith.
In Islamic legal tradition, ijtihad refers to the intellectual endeavor of interpreting and extrapolating legal rulings when faced with new and unprecedented situations or issues that are not explicitly addressed in the Quran and Hadith. This process allows scholars to deduce legal principles and derive judgments based on their understanding and interpretation of Islamic texts, as well as other relevant secondary sources.
Ijtihad is regarded as an essential tool for legal and moral evolution within the Islamic legal framework. It enables scholars to adapt to changing societal contexts and emerging challenges, ensuring the continuity and applicability of Islamic law in new contexts. Through ijtihad, scholars strive to provide guidance and rulings that are in line with the objectives and principles of Islamic law, while considering the contemporary needs and realities.
Historically, ijtihad was practiced more extensively in the early centuries of Islamic civilization when the legal schools were being established. Over time, its prevalence diminished, with more reliance on precedent and established interpretations. However, the concept and practice of ijtihad remain significant, particularly amongst scholars who advocate for its rejuvenation as a means to address the complexities of the modern world while maintaining fidelity to Islamic jurisprudence.
Common Misspellings for IJTIHAD
- ujtihad
- jjtihad
- kjtihad
- ojtihad
- 9jtihad
- 8jtihad
- ihtihad
- intihad
- imtihad
- iktihad
- iitihad
- iutihad
- ijrihad
- ijfihad
- ijgihad
- ijyihad
- ij6ihad
- ij5ihad
- ijtuhad
- ijtjhad
Etymology of IJTIHAD
The word "ijtihad" is derived from the Arabic root word "jahada", which means "to strive" or "to make an effort". It is mainly used in Islamic jurisprudence to refer to the process of independent legal reasoning and interpretation by scholars to derive rulings and solutions in areas not explicitly covered by the Quran or Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad). The term is often associated with the idea of intellectual effort and exertion in deriving legal opinions.
