المعنى الاصطلاحي

A term for a scholar making his best efforts to reach a secondary “shar`i” ruling based on the relevant proofs.

الشرح المختصر

“Ijtihaad” (independent reasoning) is a way of deducing “shar`i” opinions based on the relevant proofs. In “ijtihaad”, a scholar exerts his utmost effort to reach a secondary “shar`i” ruling. There may not be “ijtihaad” on matters considered common knowledge in the religion, such as the prayers being obligatory and five in number. Scholars divide “shar`i” “ijtihaad”, in terms of its validity, into two categories: 1. “Ijtihaad” that is recognized by the Shariah. Such is done by competent scholars, and in which the following conditions are fulfilled: a) General: reason, legal age, Islam, and integrity. b) Specific: the ability to conduct such reasoning and familiarity with the methods and rules of “ijtihaad” and deduction, like knowledge of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, Arabic language, and the principles of Fiqh. 2. “Ijtihaad” that is not recognized by the Shariah. Such is done by incompetent individuals who are not familiar with the tools and methods of “ijtihaad”. In fact, such reasoning is merely an opinion rooted in one’s whim and personal inclination, which is why there is no doubt about its invalidity, as it runs counter to the truth revealed by the Almighty Lord.

التعريف اللغوي المختصر

“Ijtihaad”: exertion of effort. Original meaning: hardship, toil, effort, energy. Other meanings: objective, exaggeration, diligence, prevalence, superiority.