Issues of Ijtihad

TAQLID AND IJTIHAD different times. As the Quran states: “If you have suffered a wound, they too have suffered a similar wound. We bring these days to men by turns, so that God may know those who believe, and choose witnesses from among you; and God does not love the unjust.” (3:140) The Prophet Muhammad experienced both states. His Makkan period was, as it were, a period of modesty for him, and his Madinan period was a period of power. Both these states are equally desirable, and there are equal models for both states in the life of the Prophet. Neither model is inferior, nor is any model superior. In the eyes of God, all decisions are based on the person’s inner intentions, not on external political or non-political conditions. The Issue of Blasphemy Against the Prophet To understand this matter, consider the following: all jurists agree that anyone who insults the Prophet Muhammad, even indirectly, is subject to a mandatory death penalty. Blasphemy is considered a prescribed punishment (hadd). This ruling has little exception among notable jurists. For detailed discussions, refer to the following works: 1. Al-Sarim al-Maslul ‘ala Shatim al-Rasul by Ibn Taymiyyah 2. Al-Sayf al-Maslul ‘ala Man Sabb al-Rasul by Taqi al-Din Ali al-Subki 3. Tanbih al-Wulat wa al-Hukkam ‘ala Ahkam Shatim Khayr alAnam aw Ahad Ashabihi al-Kiram by Ibn Abidin al-Shami