The Meaning of "Ijtehaad" What is the proper meaning of Ijtihaad ? Can you provide some examples? Regards and thanks, Essam Zawadi, UK Reply The word "Ijtehaad" is originally not a religious term. However, in the times of the Muslim jurists, it had attained the status of a recognized Muslim term. If we try to trace the origin of the usage of this term, it seems that it originated from a reported conversation between the Prophet (pbuh) and Mu`aaz ibn Jabal (ra). According to this reported conversation, at the time of the appointment of Mu`aaz ibn Jabal as the Prophet's representative to Yemen, the Prophet (pbuh) asked Mu`aaz : "How would you decide among people?" Mu`aaz (ra) replied: "I shall decide according the directives of the Qur'an". The Prophet (pbuh) asked: "If the issue relates to something about which the Qur'an is silent, then what will you do?" Mu`aaz replied: "Then I shall seek guidance from the Sunnah of the Prophet of God". The Prophet (pbuh) asked: "And if even the Sunnah does not have a clear guidance regarding the issue, then what shall you do?" Mu`aaz replied: I shall then try hard to make up my own mind and shall leave no stone unturned in doing so. The Prophet (pbuh) replied: "I thank God for giving you the wisdom to say that, which is correct". This reported conversation between the Prophet (pbuh) and Mu`aaz ibn Jabal (ra) is the origin of the term "Ijtehaad" in the juristic literature. Keeping the background of the term "Ijtehaad" in perspective, it should become quite clear that it actually refers to determining or arriving at a decision regarding an issue about which the Shari`ah (the Qur'an and the Sunnah ) is silent. The decision, in such a situation, is taken in the light of one's understanding of the situation as well as that of the spirit of the directives of the Shari`ah . Finally, it should be understood that the concept of "Ijtehaad" relates only to the interpersonal aspects of human life. The concept of "Ijtehaad" does not apply to matters relating to worship. The reason for this distinction is that the Qur'an and the Sunnah has determined all aspects of the matters relating to worship. While in the case of the interpersonal aspects of human life (like political, economic, social, penal issues) the Shari`ah has restricted itself only to the determination of the basic limits; the details, extensions and applications of these limits have been left for the individuals to decide, according to their particular situations and circumstances. I hope this brief introduction to the concept of 'Ijtehaad' shall suffice. However, in case you have any further questions in this regard, please feel free in writing back to me at your convenience. Regards, Moiz Amjad