Usul al-Fiqh
Lesson :n
الاجتهاد في الاستنباط
Deriving Rulings (Ijtihad)
Deriving Rulings (Ijtihad)
How scholars derive rulings from the original sources.
9 min read
4 objectives
5 questions
Learning objectives
- Explain ijtihad
- Know the conditions for one who may perform ijtihad
- Distinguish ijtihad from a direct command
- Know the benefits of ijtihad
Lesson
The criteria for being able to perform ijtihad include knowledge of Sunni scriptures, Arabic, and knowledge of various subjects. Ijtihad differs from commands because of its word order. Ijtihad may differ among scholars, but all are appropriate. Ijtah is useful in cases where there is no clear command. It helps the scholar to determine the proper law to do. Their choices are relevant to others. Studying them makes us respect their efforts.
Arabic text
وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِّنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا
Source: Usul al-Fiqh — books of usul
Key terms
Independent reasoning
Ijtihad
Scholars' reasoning to reach a ruling
Principles
Usul
The foundations of the law
Qualified scholar
Mujtahid
One qualified to perform ijtihad
Analogy
Qiyas
Extending a ruling from one case to a similar one
Command
Amr
A command from Allah
Comprehension quiz
Answered 0 / 5 • correct 0
1
What is ijtihad?
2
What is required to perform ijtihad?
3
How is ijtihad different from a clear command?
4
Can scholars reach different results through ijtihad?
5
When is ijtihad used?