Q.3 What are conditions for exercising universal ijtihad? Discuss the role of ijtihad today. 2016

Ijtihad is a term used in Islamic jurisprudence to refer to independent legal reasoning and interpretation. It is a process through which Islamic scholars apply reason and their knowledge of Islamic sources to derive new rulings or interpretations for contemporary issues.

The concept of universal ijtihad refers to the idea that all Muslims are capable of engaging in independent legal reasoning, not just Islamic scholars. However, there are certain conditions that need to be met before universal ijtihad can be exercised effectively. These conditions include:

1. Knowledge and expertise: In order to engage in ijtihad, a person must have a strong understanding of Islamic sources, such as the Qur’an and Hadith, as well as the principles and methods of Islamic jurisprudence.
2. Objectivity and impartiality: Those engaging in ijtihad must be objective and impartial, avoiding personal biases or prejudices.
3. Awareness of context: Those engaging in ijtihad must take into account the specific social, cultural, and historical context in which a particular issue is being addressed.
4. Respect for authority: While ijtihad allows for independent legal reasoning, it is important to maintain respect for Islamic scholars and their expertise in order to ensure consistency and coherence in Islamic jurisprudence.

In terms of the role of ijtihad today, there are different opinions among Islamic scholars. Some believe that ijtihad is essential for the development of Islamic law and the ability to address contemporary issues facing Muslim communities. Others argue that ijtihad should be limited to qualified Islamic scholars in order to maintain the integrity of Islamic jurisprudence.

Overall, the role of ijtihad today is an ongoing debate within the Islamic scholarly community. Some argue for a more liberal and inclusive approach to ijtihad, while others advocate for a more traditional and conservative approach. Nonetheless, ijtihad remains an important concept in Islamic jurisprudence and the development of Islamic law.