MUJADDID Meaning and
Definition
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Mujaddid, derived from the Arabic word "ijtihad" meaning "to strive or exert oneself", is a term primarily used in the Islamic context to refer to a religious reformer or a revivalist. A Mujaddid is an individual who is believed to possess the intellectual and spiritual prowess to renew and revitalize the Muslim community. The concept of the Mujaddid has its roots in a Hadith (narration) attributed to Prophet Muhammad, which states that, "Indeed, Allah will send for this nation [Muslim community] at the beginning of every century someone who will renew its religion."
A Mujaddid is believed to be sent by Allah to uphold and propagate the true teachings of Islam, rectify any deviations that may have emerged within the community, and restore the spiritual and moral vitality of Muslims. The role of a Mujaddid is to provide guidance and direction to society, enjoining good and forbidding evil, and ensuring the preservation of the Islamic faith and its essence.
Throughout Islamic history, there have been various individuals acclaimed as Mujaddids by different scholars and communities. These individuals have often emerged during times of intellectual and spiritual decline within the Muslim world, addressing various theological, jurisprudential, and social challenges of their respective eras.
The recognition of a Mujaddid is not universally agreed upon, and different sects and scholars may attribute this title to different personalities. Nonetheless, the concept of the Mujaddid signifies the importance of religious reform, intellectual inquiry, and the ongoing need for renewal within the Muslim community.
Etymology of MUJADDID
The word mujaddid is an Arabic term that originated from the root word jadd which means to renew or revive. The term mujaddid itself means renewer or reviver. In Islamic tradition, a mujaddid is considered to be a person who appears every century or so to revive and rejuvenate the faith and its teachings. This concept of a mujaddid is based on a saying of Prophet Muhammad, who stated that Allah will send for this nation at the head of every century those who will renew its religion for it.
