Table of Contents
1. ijtihad
noun. the endeavor of a Moslem scholar to derive a rule of divine law from the Koran and Hadith without relying on the views of other scholars; by the end of the 10th century theologians decided that debate on such matters would be closed and Muslim theology and law were frozen.
Etymology
- إجتهاد (Arabic)
Sentences with ijtihad
1. Noun, singular or mass
However, they also leave room for ijtihad, or the rational opinion of faithful believers, when the Quran is not clear on a specific issue.
2. Verb, past tense
Those who support ijtihad today state that the process should adopt a new direction to respond to contemporary needs.
3. Noun, plural
The United States Institute of Peace conducted a 2004 study on ijtihad, noting, "Many Muslims believe that they must choose between Islam and modernity or between Islam and democracy, but these are false choices.
