Definition
The disciplined effort of a qualified scholar to deduce a ruling from the texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Requires deep knowledge of Arabic, the Qur'an and its sciences, the Sunnah and its sciences, ijmā‘, and uṣūl al-fiqh.
Pronunciation: ij-ti-HĀD
Etymology & Root
From ج-ه-د (j-h-d), meaning 'to exert utmost effort.' Ijtihād is the scholar's exhaustive effort.
Usage in the Sunnah
'When the judge gives a ruling and exerts ijtihād and is correct, he has two rewards; if he gives a ruling and exerts ijtihād and errs, he has one reward.' (Bukhārī 7352)
Common Misconceptions
Ijtihād is not opinion-giving by the unqualified. Modern claims that 'every Muslim can do ijtihād' confuse personal study with the technical, demanding science.
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Related Terms
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Understanding the rulings of the Sharī‘ah.