Question:

Assalamo Alaikum.
I Would  like to ask what is the Ijtihad of  your Jamaat on the following issues:

• Ijtihad for the establishment of Jamaat,

• Ijtihad for your methodology,

• Ijtihad on participating in democracy?

(please provide detailed evidences)

Wassalam,

Brother from England

Answer:

Dear Brother, Assalam o Alaikum.
"Ijtihad" is to suggest solution to a newly risen problem, for which there are no clear injunctions in the two basic sources i.e. al-Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). Also, ‘ijtihad’ has to be within the overall ‘Shariah’ scheme, and exercised only by those who are authorized and accepted competent, without question. Thus, it implies that ‘ijtihad’ is not allowed in matters that are settled by the Qur’an and Sunnah. Let us now see the specific areas you have questioned:

a) Establishment of Jama’at - The holy Qur’an very clearly ordains: "Let there arise out of you a band of people (‘Ummah’, party or ‘Jamaat’) inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong......."( 3 : 104)

It is not the only verse so asking, but is certainly so clear that we need no ‘ijtihad’ at all.

b) Methodology - Participation in Democracy - You have made them two points, but they pose only one question - Democracy. Let it be clarified that we believe NOT in the Western definition of ‘democracy’, which assign (in principle though) all authority to the people. We believe in the Authority of Allah and human being as His vicegerents. Thus ‘democracy’ in Islam is guided as well as guarded. For such a democracy, we again need no ‘ijtihad’, as it is quite clearly expounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Two references from the Qur’an should suffice:

i) "...........and consult them in affairs; then when you have taken a decision (collectively), put your trust in Allah...." ( 3 : 159 )

ii) " (they conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation......" ( 42 : 38)

The term ‘consultation’ is the key word, particularly in the Surah  "Shoora", and suggests the ideal way in which Muslims conduct their affairs. Its full significance will be realised if the context, in which the term occurred, is also referred (see verses 36 : 40 of ‘Shoora’). Why consultation? because:

- it helps save a person from becoming too egotistical;

- every person shoulders responsibility that devolves on him or her as a personality, whose development counts very much in the sight of Allah.

This principle was applied to its fullest extent by the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) in his private and public life and also fully acted upon by the right-guided "khulafa". Modern representative government is just an attempt - by no means perfect - to apply that principle in politics and state affairs.

The above note, though very brief, amply suggests participatory democracy in all walks of life - political, social and economic - and warrants no further need for ‘ijtihad’.

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