Ijma

Definition

Ijma refers to the consensus or agreement among Islamic scholars on a particular legal issue or interpretation of Islamic law. It serves as one of the primary sources of Islamic jurisprudence, alongside the Quran and Hadith. Ijma reflects the collective reasoning of the scholarly community and is used to address new situations or questions that arise in the practice of Islam.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ijma is considered binding and carries significant authority in Islamic law, as it represents the collective opinion of knowledgeable scholars.
2. There are different forms of ijma, including explicit ijma (where scholars openly express agreement) and tacit ijma (where scholars do not oppose a prevailing opinion).
3. Ijma can only be established by qualified scholars who have expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, ensuring that the consensus is based on sound reasoning.
4. The concept of ijma is essential for addressing contemporary issues that may not have been explicitly covered in the Quran or Hadith.
5. Historical examples of ijma include agreements on foundational issues such as the compilation of the Quran and the establishment of key practices in Islamic worship.

Review Questions

• How does ijma contribute to the development of Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in addressing contemporary issues?
  • Ijma plays a crucial role in developing Islamic jurisprudence by providing a mechanism for scholars to reach consensus on legal matters that arise over time. This collective agreement allows for flexibility and adaptability within Islamic law, ensuring that it remains relevant in changing social and cultural contexts. By utilizing ijma, scholars can address contemporary issues that may not have been explicitly covered in earlier texts, thereby guiding Muslim communities in their practices.
• Discuss the criteria necessary for establishing ijma and the importance of qualified scholars in this process.
  • Establishing ijma requires input from qualified scholars who possess deep knowledge of Islamic texts and jurisprudence. These scholars must be recognized for their expertise and should have a clear understanding of both traditional interpretations and contemporary contexts. The importance of qualified scholars lies in their ability to ensure that any consensus reached is rooted in sound reasoning and reflects a comprehensive understanding of Islamic principles. Without this expertise, any claims of ijma may lack legitimacy.
• Evaluate the impact of ijma on the practice of Sharia law in various Muslim communities around the world.
  • Ijma significantly impacts how Sharia law is practiced across diverse Muslim communities by shaping interpretations and legal rulings that align with local contexts. Its adaptability allows communities to derive rulings that consider cultural nuances while remaining grounded in core Islamic principles. However, differing opinions among scholars can lead to variations in practice, highlighting the dynamic nature of ijma and its ability to reflect the diversity within the Muslim world. This complexity ultimately influences how Muslims understand their faith and navigate modern challenges.

Related terms

Qiyas: Qiyas is the method of analogical reasoning used in Islamic jurisprudence to derive legal rulings by comparing a new case to an established precedent.

Fatwa: A fatwa is a formal legal opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar or jurist, often in response to a specific question about Islamic law.

Sharia:

Sharia refers to the body of Islamic law derived from the Quran, Hadith, ijma, and qiyas, governing all aspects of a Muslim's life.