The Urgency of Ijtihad

Al-Haj Moinuddin Ahmed

Paperback, 152 Pages, Black & White
6 x 9 Inches
Qadeem Press

In “Urgency of Ijtihad,” the esteemed author unravels the profound wisdom within Islamic traditions, challenging misconceptions that have stagnated Islamic thought. Commencing with the Qur’an’s global prominence and Prophet Hazrat Muhammad’s recognition in “The Hundred,” the book explores Ijtihad-a visionary provision by the Prophet for adaptable and relevant Islamic laws.

Historically contextualizing Ijtihad, the narrative reveals the 4th Century Hijri “Closing of the Gate of Ijtihad,” stifling innovation. Disputing this closure, the author urges readers to challenge norms, advocating for Ijtihad’s revival. Topics span God’s attributes, Islamic laws, and the ever-changing universe, dismantling the misconception that Ijtihad cannot reopen.

Empowering scholars and readers, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of Ijtihad’s principles, fostering a broad outlook. The author’s hope is that “Urgency of Ijtihad” sparks critical thinking, freeing minds from medievalism and inspiring action to undo long-standing stagnation in Islamic society.

Table of Contents:

Section I – INTRODUCTORY
Section II – GOD’S UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE
The Supreme Purpose – Rabbil Alameen
Section III – GOD’S CHANGEFUL UNIVERSE..
God is Changeless – Every Thing Else is Changeful – Change is Wedded to Time – Human Society is Changing – Change is Whole-sale and Continual – Change in Divine Books Change in Qur’anic Verses – Change in Divine Commandments – Change in Shariah Laws – Allah Favours Change – Conclusion.
Section IV – ISLAMIC LAW AND ITS SOURCE…
Al-Qur’an, the First Source – Hadith, the Second Source – Other Sources Completion of Legal Structure – Shariah – Ijma, the Third Source – Qiyas, the Fourth Source.
Section V – – IJTIHAD
The Theory – Ijtihad Defined – Growth and Expansion – The Sources of Ijtihad – Primary Source, the Qur’an – The Next Source, Hadith – Khulafah-e-Rashedeen and Ijtihad – Four Imams and Ijtihad – Deterioration in Standard – Effects of Deterioration -Categories of Ijtihad – Qiyas – Istihasan – Istislah – Istidlal – Ijtihad is not Infallible.
Section VI — TAQLID
Extraneous Influence – The Doctrine – Muqallid – Opposition to Taqlid – – Taqlid is Dogmatic.
Section VII – CLOSING THE GATE
Prosperous Ijtihad Era – Change in Outlook – Gate Closed – Reasons for Closure – Stagnation in Community Life – Reaction of Intellectuals – No Wisdom in Sealing the Door – Decree of Closure Not Valid – A Hoax by Frustrated Ulama – Protest and Reform – Reformers, Hard – Liners and Progressive.
Section VIII – PLEA FOR RE-OPENING.
Views of Religious Leaders and Intellectuals – Imam Ghazali – Hafiz Ibn Taimiyah – Shah Waliullah Mohaddis – Syed Jamaluddin Afghani – Mufti Muhammad Abduh – Sir Syed Ahmad Khan – Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – Maulana Muhammad Ali of Lahore – Dr. Sir Muhammad Iqbal – Justice Syed Ameer Ali – Dr. K.G. Saiyidain – Maulana Abul A’la Maududi – Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi – Maulana Taqi Amini – Maulana Muhammad Ismail of Gujranwala – – Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanavi.
Section IX – – QUALIFICATION OF IJTIHAD
Orthodox Standard – Progressive Muslims’ Standard – Qur’anic Standard – Madrasah Degree – holders not Suitable as Ijtihad Legist – Final Consideration – Qualification not to be Relaxed.
Section X – METHOD OF OPERATION
Old and New Mind – Beginning and Closure of Ijtihad – Orthodox Standard no Longer Relevant – Objects of Review – Mode of Operation – – Practical Working – Authority and Privileges of Ijtihad Legist.
Section XI – CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS
Islam and Science – God’s Changing Universe – Ijtihad, a Benign God- send – Ijtihad Era, the Golden Age of Islam – Rise of Western Nations Decline of Muslims in all Spheres – Factors Leading to Decline – The Decree of Closure, a Hoax – Ijtihad as the Saviour – Face the 21st Century Wisely.