Issues of Ijtihad

TAQLID AND IJTIHAD expertise in the five key disciplines is sufficient. Similarly, if the question arises about whether inserting a needle into the body breaks ablution (wudu), then knowledge of these five sciences would also be sufficient to derive a ruling on this matter. The Need for an Additional Qualification A mujtahid proficient in these five areas can consult classical jurisprudential texts and identify relevant precedents. For instance, they might examine rulings addressing whether the sting of a scorpion entering a person’s body nullifies wudu. However, for special ijtihad, an additional qualification is required beyond the foundational five disciplines. This requirement is highlighted in the Hadith: “A wise person must be aware of his time” (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith No. 807)— that is, its spirit, needs, and demands. This emphasizes that a wise individual must possess a thorough understanding of the conditions and complexities of their era. The additional qualification mentioned in the Hadith can be summarized as an awareness of the conditions of one’s time. A mujtahid must be thoroughly familiar with the context of the era and location in which they are exercising ijtihad. This necessitates an understanding of both traditional and contemporary sciences. Such expertise is acquired through external information, deep reflection, and comprehensive knowledge of relevant facts.