Part 1 – What is Ijtihad?
As promised Soach is presenting a series of lectures by scholars on the topic of Ijtihad. We have already introduced the topic in two of the previous articles named “Two Theories of Ijtihad” by Dr. M. Khan and “Ijtihad: Iqbal’s Views” in which excerpt from Iqbal’s Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam was presented.
[audio:mkhan1.mp3]
Ijtihad stands on the pillars of Quran, Hadith, Ijma and Qiyas as mentioned in Reconstruction. However, the exact nature and importance of Ijtihad has been a topic of many debates among religious scholars lately. One is a more classical interpretation of Ijtihad and the other is a call for a more modern interpretation of it. Moreover, who is worthy to carry out this delicate and often charged process is debated as well. Finally, what role does Ijtihad play in our individual as well as collective lives and how is it being abused is another important area of discussion.
We will try to tackle these issues one by one in a series of lectures by scholars from different backgrounds and interpretations. These lectures are by no means the final word or exhaustive accounts on this important topic but only scratch the surface and are meant to make the Soach audience think and brood over this topic. We welcome your active participation and comments on this topic.
– Soach Staff
