Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad 8. The Concept of Ijtihaad in Islam
Ijtihaad is a natural requirement. In the ever-changing phases of life its importance is so great that, even after the door of Ijtihaad having been closed, its process is continuing without any formal announcement. One interesting example of this dates back to the British period, when paper currency replaced gold and silver coins. There lived in Delhi a great scholar by the name of Abdul Haq Haqqani. He was asked to issue a fatwa (religious edict) as to whether these paper notes were lawful or unlawful. He did not comply with this request, saying: “My fatwa will not gain currency, but paper notes will.” The truth is that no excuse justifies closing the door of Ijtihaad. According to a tradition recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari: “The Prophet of Islam observed: One who exercised Ijtihaad and succeeded in reaching the right decision would be doubly rewarded, and if he failed to reach the right decision, he would also be rewarded for his sincere effort towards this end.” This tradition clearly and unconditionally encourages the process of Ijtihaad by saying that even when there is a chance of going wrong, it should be continued, the reason being that putting a stop to Ijtihaad brings about intellectual stagnation, and without doubt this is a greater evil than a wrong decision. A number of important issues have come up in modern times, but, without Ijtihaad Muslims have failed to receive proper ~ 112 ~