Ijma

Definition

Ijma refers to the consensus of Islamic scholars on a particular legal issue or religious matter. This concept is significant within Islamic law as it serves as a source of guidance when the Quran and Hadith do not provide clear answers. Ijma represents a collective agreement that plays a vital role in the development and interpretation of Sharia law, helping to adapt Islamic teachings to changing social contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ijma is considered the third source of Islamic law after the Quran and Hadith, highlighting its importance in shaping legal opinions.
2. Consensus can occur among scholars from different schools of thought within Islam, reflecting a collaborative approach to jurisprudence.
3. Ijma can evolve over time, adapting to contemporary issues while remaining rooted in traditional interpretations.
4. The requirement for ijma is that it must be based on the teachings found in the Quran and Hadith; hence it cannot contradict established texts.
5. Ijma serves not only as a legal tool but also fosters unity among Muslim scholars, promoting cooperation and consensus-building.

Review Questions

• How does ijma serve as a source of Islamic law alongside the Quran and Hadith?
  • Ijma complements the Quran and Hadith by providing a mechanism for consensus among scholars on issues where direct textual evidence is lacking. While the Quran offers foundational principles and Hadith provides context through the Prophet's teachings, ijma allows for adaptation and interpretation in light of new circumstances. This process ensures that Islamic law remains relevant and applicable to contemporary situations while maintaining its roots in established texts.
• Discuss the implications of ijma on the evolution of Islamic jurisprudence in modern contexts.
  • Ijma has significant implications for the evolution of Islamic jurisprudence, particularly as societies face complex modern issues such as technology, bioethics, and human rights. By allowing scholars to reach a consensus on contemporary matters, ijma enables Islamic law to adapt without straying from its foundational texts. This adaptability helps ensure that Islamic teachings can address current societal needs while fostering unity among diverse interpretations within the Muslim community.
• Evaluate the role of ijma in fostering unity among Muslim scholars and its impact on differing schools of thought.
  • Ijma plays a crucial role in fostering unity among Muslim scholars by providing a common framework for addressing legal and ethical issues within Islam. Its reliance on consensus encourages collaboration across different schools of thought, promoting dialogue and understanding despite doctrinal differences. This collective approach helps mitigate divisions within the Muslim community, allowing for a more cohesive interpretation of Islamic law that can address shared concerns while respecting diverse perspectives.

Related terms

Sharia:

The body of Islamic law derived from the Quran, Hadith, ijma, and Qiyas, governing the moral and legal aspects of a Muslim's life.

Qiyas: A method of analogical reasoning used in Islamic jurisprudence to derive legal rulings by drawing parallels between similar situations.

Hadith: The recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which are considered second only to the Quran in authority within Islamic law.