Ijma

Definition

Ijma refers to the consensus of Islamic scholars on a particular legal issue or doctrine, representing a collective agreement that is essential in the development of Islamic law. This principle is considered one of the primary sources of Islamic jurisprudence, along with the Quran and Hadith. Ijma plays a crucial role in addressing new issues and ensuring that Islamic law remains relevant in changing social and cultural contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ijma has historically been used to address issues not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or Hadith, allowing Islamic law to adapt to new circumstances.
2. The concept of ijma emphasizes unity among scholars and prevents individual interpretations from leading to divisions within the Muslim community.
3. Different schools of thought within Islam may recognize different forms of ijma, leading to variations in how consensus is understood and applied.
4. Ijma can be classified into two categories: ijma of the companions (early Muslim leaders) and ijma of later scholars, with both holding significant weight in legal rulings.
5. Contemporary issues such as bioethics, technology, and human rights are increasingly addressed through ijma, reflecting its ongoing importance in modern Islamic jurisprudence.

Review Questions

• How does ijma function as a source of Islamic law alongside the Quran and Hadith?
  • Ijma serves as a source of Islamic law by providing a mechanism for collective agreement among scholars on legal issues not explicitly covered in the Quran or Hadith. While the Quran offers direct guidance and the Hadith provides context through the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, ijma allows scholars to interpret these texts collectively to reach consensus on new matters. This helps ensure that Islamic law remains applicable to evolving societal conditions.
• Discuss the significance of ijma in maintaining unity among Muslim communities and preventing divisions.
  • Ijma plays a crucial role in maintaining unity within Muslim communities by emphasizing collective agreement among scholars. By establishing a framework for consensus, it discourages individual interpretations that could lead to conflicting beliefs and practices. This unifying aspect is essential for fostering a cohesive identity within Islam, ensuring that Muslims can navigate contemporary challenges together while adhering to shared values.
• Evaluate how ijma is applied to contemporary issues in Islamic jurisprudence, particularly regarding bioethics and technology.
  • Ijma is increasingly applied to contemporary issues such as bioethics and technology by allowing scholars to come together to address new ethical dilemmas that arise with advancements in science and society. For example, issues related to organ transplantation, genetic engineering, and digital privacy require careful consideration of Islamic principles through collective reasoning. By utilizing ijma, scholars can provide cohesive legal opinions that reflect both traditional teachings and modern realities, ensuring that Islamic law remains relevant while upholding core values.

Related terms

Qiyas: Qiyas is the process of analogical reasoning in Islamic jurisprudence, where rulings from the Quran and Hadith are extended to new situations based on shared characteristics.

Fatwa: A fatwa is a legal opinion or decree issued by an Islamic scholar on a specific issue, providing guidance to Muslims on matters of religious practice and law.

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