Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
8. The Concept of Ijtihaad in Islam
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Ijtihaad is a natural requirement. In the ever-changing phases of
life its importance is so great that, even after the door of Ijtihaad
having been closed, its process is continuing without any formal
announcement.
One interesting example of this dates back to the British
period, when paper currency replaced gold and silver coins. There
lived in Delhi a great scholar by the name of Abdul Haq Haqqani.
He was asked to issue a fatwa (religious edict) as to whether these
paper notes were lawful or unlawful. He did not comply with this
request, saying: “My fatwa will not gain currency, but paper notes
will.”
The truth is that no excuse justifies closing the door of Ijtihaad.
According to a tradition recorded in
Sahih
Al-Bukhari:
“The Prophet of Islam observed: One who exercised
Ijtihaad and succeeded in reaching the right decision
would be doubly rewarded, and if he failed to reach the
right decision, he would also be rewarded for his
sincere effort towards this end.”
This tradition clearly and unconditionally encourages the
process of Ijtihaad by saying that even when there is a chance of
going wrong, it should be continued, the reason being that putting
a stop to Ijtihaad brings about intellectual stagnation, and without
doubt this is a greater evil than a wrong decision.
A number of important issues have come up in modern times,
but, without Ijtihaad Muslims have failed to receive proper
