IJTIHAD AS A LEGAL TOOL: THE 21ST CENTURY QUESTIONS

Abstract

The first step toward opening the door of ijtihad should be the liberation of religious
establishments from the influence of political regimes. Old interpretations no longer
provide suitable answers to the difficult questions facing the Muslim world. Many
Muslims believe that they must choose between Islam and modernity, or Islam and
democracy. Muslims are obliged to abide by the rules of Allah in every aspect of their
lives, always and wherever they live. However, the actual rules of Allah as given in
the Qur’an and the Sunnah are limited. This paper explored the need for the revival
of Ijtihad to address pertinent contemporary questions. It is the understanding of the
author that the prevalence of plethora of emerging issues cannot be left unaddressed
and therefore refuted the idea of closure of the doors of Ijtihad.