ijtihad

[ ij-ti-hahd ]

noun

1. (in Islamic law) the use of reason to arrive at a knowledge of truth in religious matters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ijtihad¹

From Arabic

Example Sentences

Historically, rather than keeping power and knowledge to themselves, Islamic scholars shared both with the masses — facilitating education and the promotion of independent thinking, known in Islam as ijtihad.

From Washington Post

But their efforts were increasingly disapproved of, and now it is widely held among orthodox Sunnis that interpretation is no longer permitted - or, as the saying goes, "the gate of ijtihad is closed".

From BBC

But whereas the Wahhabis limited ijtihad to interpretation of the sacred texts, Usulis insisted they could deduce rulings from rational arguments as well.

From Economist

I propose naming a new one after ijtihad, the concept of critical thinking, and elevating self-examination over toxic shame-based discourse, laws and rules.

From Washington Post

The third is ijmaa — the consensus of Muslim scholars — and ijtihad, the concept that every adequately qualified scholar has the right to independently solve problems.

From Nature