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Definition: Literally this means "personal effort" and refers to the application of common sense and human reason for the purpose of interpretation of the Islamic laws to address issues not specifically dealt with in traditional sources. Such issues range from the personal questions of faith to public matters of government and law.
Muhammad encouraged ijtihad, but followers later declared it closed in the fourteenth century. By that, they meant that the shari'a was complete and the result was that individuals were encouraged not to have independent thoughts of their own regarding Islamic law. It's nature and scope was decided, and that was it.
The problem of reopening ijtihad has animated modern Islamist intellectuals and clerics. It is probably not a coincidence that an Islamic revolution first took place in Iran, where ijtihad had been kept alive by Shi'ites.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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What is Islam?
What is Islam? What do Muslims believe? Where did Islam come from? What is jihad? Find the answers to these questions and more in our Islam FAQ.
