The Contemporary Relevance of Qiyas and Ijtihad in Responding to Modern Social Challenges
Keywords:
Qiyas, Ijtihad, Islamic, jurisprudence, Analogical deduction, Legal reasoning, ShariahAbstract
In the evolving landscape of modern society, Islamic jurisprudence faces new and complex challenges that demand dynamic and thoughtful responses. Two foundational tools within Islamic legal theory—Qiyas (analogical deduction) and Ijtihad (independent legal reasoning)—serve as vital mechanisms for addressing contemporary issues while remaining grounded in the principles of Shariah. Qiyas allows scholars to extend established rulings to new situations by identifying shared underlying causes (‘illah), ensuring consistency and coherence within the legal framework. Meanwhile, Ijtihad empowers qualified jurists to engage in deeper reasoning to interpret texts in light of current realities, promoting relevance and adaptability in Islamic law. These methodologies are particularly crucial in addressing areas unanticipated by classical jurists, such as bioethics, digital technology, environmental concerns, and financial systems. By applying Qiyas and Ijtihad, scholars can offer reasoned solutions that reflect both the ethical foundations of Islam and the needs of a changing world. While there are debates about the limits and authority of these tools, their continued application supports a dynamic and responsive legal tradition. Thus, Qiyas and Ijtihad preserve the integrity of Islamic jurisprudence and enable it to evolve in harmony with the demands of contemporary society.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Safia Jaffar, Prof. Dr. Matloob Ahmad (Corresponding Author), Dr Humeira Khalil (Author)
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