Ijtihad
Definition & Context
Noun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
An “earnest effort” to establish laws or decide matters not explicitly addressed in the Quran by utilizing intellectual reasoning and canonical evidence.
Synonyms & Variants
analisis syariat
The process of dissecting religious evidence to establish legal decisions.
ijtihadiah
Something related to the result or process of ijtihad.
penalaran hukum
The process of using reasoning to formulate legal grounds.
penggalian hukum
Technical term often used in the context of constitutional law.
analisis
Shares similarity in critical thinking processes but has a broader scope.
Usage Notes or Etymology
This term is rooted in the Arabic word jahada which means “to strive” or “to exert”. Historically, its evolution reflects the intellectual necessity for early Muslim communities to navigate legal complexities post-revelation. Its usage underscores the intellectual methodology rigorousness within Islamic tradition. Socially, the word signals a departure toward reason-based authority. Using it indicates that one is attempting to reach legal truth through scholarly devotion rather than literal interpretation. It serves as the primary mechanism of adaptability in Islamic law, distinguishing between rigid dogma and progressive ijtihad.
Real-world Usage
Para ulama melakukan ijtihad untuk menetapkan hukum atas persoalan modern yang belum ada ketentuannya.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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