IJMA/IJTIHAD ;CSS PMS ISLAMIC STUDIES SOLVED PAST PAPERS/ SHORT NOTES

 

Q. What is Ijtihad? Compare and contrast Ijma with Ijtihad. Discuss ways of revamping ummah.

Outline

1.     Introduction

2.     Definition of Ijma and Ijtihad

3.     Rationale of Ijma and Ijtihad according to Quran and Sunnah

4.     Points of convergence between Ijma and Ijtihad

5.     Points of divergence between Ijma and Ijtihad

6.     Conclusion

Introduction: Ijma and Ijtihad as sources of Islamic law

                   Islam is a very dynamic religion. In its entirety it always allows the changing dynamics to align with it. In this perspective, Ijma and Ijtihad are the sources of Islamic laws that allow the use of human intellect to interpret modern-day problems through the lens of the Quran and Sunnah. Both the concepts have inherent convergence and divergence. Also, they present a vast scope to resolve the contemporary problems of the ummah.

Definitions of Ijma and Ijtihad

a.     Definition of Ijma:

“The agreement of ummah on the matters of Shariah.”

                                            (Sheikh Muhammad Khazi)

“Agreement of the jurists among the followers of the Prophet of the particular age on the question of law.”

                                           (Sir Abdul Rahim)

 

b.     Definition of Ijtihad:

“The process of reconciling the changing realities with permanent laws.”

                                                 (Allama Iqbal)

“It is an expert reasoning conducted while using inductive and deductive methods to formulate or interpret Islamic laws.”

                                                (Allama Dr Tahir ul Qadri)

The rationale of Ijma and Ijtihad according to Quran and Sunnah

Quranic injunctions

i.                   “You are the best of the nation’s enjoying promoting what is right and forbidding what is wrong.”

                                                                 (Al Quran)

ii.                 “Obey God, obey the messengers and those in authority.”

                                                                 (Al Quran)

iii.              “If you yourself do not know then question those who do.”

                                                                 (Al Quran)

 

Injunctions of Sunnah

i.                   “My nation will never agree upon wrong.”

                                                                  (Hadith)

ii.                 “It is incumbent upon you to follow the most unanimous body.”

Points of convergence between Ijma and Ijtihad

a.      Both should not contradict Quran and Sunnah.

b.     Both are sources of Islamic laws.

 

c.      They can only be carried out by a Mujtahid with certain characteristics

A mujtahid is an expert person who can do Ijma and Ijtihad. A mujtahid should have the following characteristics.

                                                Faithful and firm in the belief

                                                Justice, piety

Characteristics of Mujtahid                         Knowledge of Quran and Sunnah

                                                He must know usool al Fiqh

                                               Perfect understanding of the modern problem

                                                Arabic language

Points of divergence between Ijma and Ijtihad

Points of divergence	Ijma	Ijtihad
Scope	Ijma has a wider scope due to the consensus of many jurists on a single matter.	Ijtihad has a narrow scope and is carried out by individual jurists.
Nature of issues	Ijma is carried out on existing issues of sharia or on new issues i.e. consensus of Pakistani ulema on terrorism to create paganized Pakistan.	Ijtihad is always done on new issues being faced by the ummah. E.g. there can be ijtihad over the transplantation of a pig’s heart in a man.
Extent of binding upon ummah	Being a consensus, Ijma is binding upon the ummah.	Ijtihad is usually voluntary in nature.

 

Revamping ummah through Ijma and Ijtihad – The way forward

                   In the modern days, the ummah is afflicted with a no of problems that can be resolved through Ijma and Ijtihad. The following illustration are given below:

a.     Definition of extremism and terrorism:

Through the platform of Ijma and Ijtihad, Muslims need to redefine the definition of terrorism and extremism. It is such a complex phenomenon that even the great academicians of social sciences have failed to comprehend the right definition. However, the consensus of the Islamic ummah can surely resolve this crisis and disown the non-state action attributed to Islam.

b.     Ijma and ijtihad for evolved Islamic economic order:

Unfortunately, throughout history, Muslims could reconcile the Islamic economic system with evolving modernity. Hence, Ijma can be done in this aspect as well.

c.      Revamping and Islamic bloc for Islamic unity and encouraging Ijma and Ijtihad:

OIC, GCC, and Arab league are existing Islamic blocs. However, they can be revamped with an Islamic ideological council to pursue Ijma and Ijtihad. In this way, the ummah can put an end to the sectarian strikes and conceive an alternate Islamic order.

Conclusion

                   To sum up, Ijma and Ijtihad are pivotal to the revival of Islam in the contemporary era. Both the institutions will not only forge Islamic unity but eradicate the prevailing socio-economic evils and reconcile Islam with modernity.